(Adnkronos) – After the United States launched fresh strikes on Iran to keep the Strait of Hormuz open to shipping, prompting Iranian attacks on US bases and strategic centres in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar, Italy’s foreign minister Antonio Tajani said on Thursday he hoped for “a diplomatic solution” and freedom of navigation in the key waterway.
“Iran wants ships to pay a toll to transit the Strait of Hormuz and the Americans don’t want that,” said Tajani, speaking on the sidelines of an event for would-be medical students in Rome.
Iran has attacked three commercial vessels in Hormuz this week, prompting a fall in tanker traffic through the oil conduit. US president Donald Trump said on Wednesday he believed the fragile ceasfire with Iran was over after the attacks. Besides two rounds of airstrikes against Iran, the US has reimposed oil sanctions in response.
“The attacks on the commercial ships were meant to convey the message that a toll must be paid to pass through. Rightly, the US opposes this as would set a precedent applicable to all waterways, limiting freedom of navigation and commerce internationally,” Tajani said.
“I hope that a diplomatic solution can be found, and that we can ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open, that no duties are imposed, and that freedom of navigation is restored,” he underlined.
“Iran needs to understand that any agreement must include a provision ensuring that Tehran does not possess nuclear weapons and cannot impose tariffs on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. These are two crucial issues, and I hope that all of this can be resolved through diplomatic channels.”
