France and Italy have initiated direct talks with Iran to negotiate safe passage for European ships through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil chokepoint currently blocked by Tehran, according to Financial Times sources. The move comes as European nations seek to restart vital energy shipments from the Gulf without escalating the conflict, fearing sustained blockage could further spike already elevated energy costs. Oil prices have surged past $100 a barrel, while European natural gas prices have jumped 75% this year, straining economies.

France and Italy, along with Greece, have warships in the Red Sea but lack the capability to escort ships through Hormuz due to attack risks, officials stated. The talks aim to create a permissible environment for navigation, though Tehran's supreme leader vowed to maintain the closure, widely suspected of aiming to pressure the US over oil prices. No guarantee of progress exists, and other European capitals reportedly oppose the outreach efforts.