Italy, Iran discuss negotiations to reopen Strait of Hormuz

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on Tuesday that he discussed negotiations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

"We discussed negotiations for the reopening of Hormuz," Tajani said in a post on US social media platform X.

He said a memorandum reached in June had demonstrated that an agreement was possible, adding that Italy would continue supporting efforts to restore freedom of navigation through the strategic waterway and end the conflict.

The meeting comes as diplomatic efforts intensify over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime route for global energy and commercial shipping.

​​​​​​​The US and Israel launched a war against Iran on Feb. 28, which Tehran says killed thousands of people. Tehran responded with missile and drone attacks across the region and effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic route for energy supplies. The June agreement was meant to finalize a peace deal in 60 days but collapsed in a few weeks.

"With Araghchi, we also addressed the crises in Lebanon and Yemen, which are crucial for our exports to ensure the passage of merchant ships through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait as well," Tajani added.

He "encouraged Iran to exercise its influence to promote political and diplomatic solutions that bring peace and stability to the region."