Iran says European countries in talks with Tehran for Hormuz transit

TEHRAN, May 16: Iranian state television said on Saturday that European countries were in talks with Tehran over transit for ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

"Following the passage of ships from East Asian countries, notably China, Japan and Pakistan, we received information today indicating that Europeans have also begun negotiations with the Revolutionary Guards navy" to get permission to pass, state television reported, without specifying which countries.

Iran has largely blocked shipping through the vital strait since the outbreak of war with the United States and Israel on February 28. A fragile ceasefire has been in place since April 8.    �"AFP