France, Italy in talks with Iran to secure Hormuz Strait, FT reports

France and Italy have begun negotiations with Iran to ensure safe passage for ships through the Strait of Hormuz, the Financial Times reported. The move follows a series of Iranian attacks targeting European military units in Iraq, which were stationed there as part of a U.S.-led coalition. In response, Italy temporarily withdrew troops from a base and is now in the process of a full military withdrawal from Iraq, according to Walter Bloomberg.