DUBAI: Iran is, for the first time, examining the possibility of allowing European countries to clear naval mines from the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, according to several diplomatic sources confirmed by the International News Agency.
The development marks a significant shift in Tehran’s official position, which has consistently maintained that no foreign military or naval force would be permitted to participate in security operations or mine-clearing efforts in the world’s most critical energy corridor. However, diplomatic sources indicate that Iranian officials have shown flexibility in this stance during closed-door negotiations held in recent weeks.
According to Iranian sources, the relaxation in policy aims to ensure the restoration of safe passage for commercial shipping through the Strait, a vital route for global oil tankers and liquefied natural gas exports.
Diplomatic sources have outlined several conditions that European countries must meet if they are granted clearance. These include:
· Guarantees for the safety of European ships operating in the area.
· A ceasefire or significant reduction in regional tensions.
· Formal approval from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
· The operation must be strictly limited to restoring humanitarian and commercial shipping.
Sources emphasized that these conditions have not yet been finalized, but that the talks are moving in a positive direction.
The diplomatic outreach is being coordinated alongside ongoing contacts between Iran, Oman, and Western countries. Earlier, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqai confirmed that an agreement had been reached with Oman on the geographical points of the maritime route.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy corridors, through which a large portion of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas passes. For several months, shipping, insurance, and oil shipments have been severely impacted by the ongoing regional war and persistent fears over naval mines.
If the mines are successfully cleared under European supervision, it would help restore global commercial shipping, potentially reduce marine insurance costs, and provide greater stability to the global crude oil supply.
