Iran is considering allowing European countries to remove mines from the Strait of Hormuz, a potential shift that could help restore commercial shipping through the critical waterway and support broader negotiations with the United States, Bloomberg reported.

Tehran has repeatedly stated publicly that it would not permit foreign countries to participate in demining operations. However, Iranian officials have softened that position during private discussions in recent weeks, according to diplomats familiar with the matter.

Allowing European minesweeping vessels into the strait could provide shipping companies and insurers with an independent assurance that the waterway is safe, following more than five months of military conflict. The move could also help advance diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war.

The proposal remains in its early stages and has been discussed between Iranian officials, mediators and European governments. The matter was also raised during talks on Tuesday over what could become a short-term arrangement to ease the standoff.

Iran-Oman discussions have focused on permitting renewed commercial shipping through the strait, while the United States is seeking guarantees that the route will remain safe enough for energy supplies to move again.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)