Brussels is discussing the possibility of opening bilateral talks with Tehran. According to La Repubblica, Europe's main goal is to solve its energy problems by securing shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
The idea, informally discussed by the heads of the European Commission, the European Council and several governments, is to open a direct diplomatic channel between the EU and Iranian representatives, the publication says. However, there are several significant obstacles, including the EU's decision in February to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC, the elite unit of the Iranian armed forces) as a terrorist organization. In addition, the talks would require, at a minimum, an end to Israeli military operations in Iran, Lebanon and Palestine. The publication notes that not all 27 EU countries agree with this idea.
The EU hopes to act as an alternative to NATO, at least on the issue of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran will not agree to cede control of the strait to the Americans under any circumstances, so in response to calls by US President Donald Trump to secure their own energy supplies, the Europeans could reach an agreement with Tehran that would allow ships “under European flags“ to enter the strait, the newspaper explained.
The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed to ships from countries allied with the US, Israel and their allies. Europe faces a real threat of fuel shortages.