Italy is not carrying out negotiations with Iran to secure safe passage for Italian-flagged vessels or oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, a source at the Italian foreign ministry said on Friday.
The ministry statement directly contradicts a report in the Financial Times that suggested such discussions were occurring between Rome and Tehran.
"In their diplomatic contacts, Italian leaders want to favour the conditions for a general military de-escalation, but there is no under-the-table negotiation aimed at preserving only some merchant ships at the expense of others," the foreign ministry source said.
Earlier reporting had indicated Italy and France had been in talks with Tehran about the possible reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The strait is a critical maritime route for oil and LNG tankers, and the source reiterated that Italy's diplomatic posture is focused on measures to reduce military tensions more broadly, rather than negotiating selective protections for particular vessels.
The source emphasized that while Italy is pursuing diplomatic contacts that it hopes will create the conditions for wider military de-escalation, there are no specific deals being pursued that would single out or secure passage only for certain merchant ships.
Context retained in official statements
The ministry framed Italy's approach as one aimed at promoting general reductions in military risk through diplomacy. At the same time, it rejected the idea of confidential arrangements that would favor some shipping operators over others.
About the Strait of Hormuz in statements
Statements included in the foreign ministry's message reiterated the strategic role of the Strait of Hormuz for oil and LNG tankers. The source also referenced the strait's effective closure since the start of the U.S. and Israel war against Iran, as reported in earlier accounts of the situation.
Italy's public position, as described by the foreign ministry source, remains centered on supporting diplomatic channels that could help reduce military tensions overall, while rejecting reports of side deals to protect certain merchant vessels.