[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":225},["ShallowReactive",2],{"story-136402-en":3},{"id":4,"slug":5,"slugs":5,"currentSlug":5,"title":6,"subtitle":7,"coverImagesSmall":8,"coverImages":9,"content":42,"questions":43,"relatedArticles":68,"body_color":223,"card_color":224},"136402",null,"Strait of Hormuz Oil Negotiations Impact Logistics Costs for EU-Based Cross-Border Sellers","- France-Italy-Iran talks signal 8-15% potential shipping cost increases for sellers shipping to European markets within 6-12 months",[],[10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31,32,33,34,35,36,37,38,39,40,41],"https://assets.newsweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/GettyImages-2264175746.jpg?w=1600&h=900&q=88","https://static.seekingalpha.com/cdn/s3/uploads/getty_images/1213764535/image_1213764535.jpg?io=getty-c-w630","https://images.firstpost.com/uploads/2026/03/image-2026-03-d882cbd6a294c248639a4445058c8e3f-1200x675.jpg?im=FitAndFill=(1200,675)","https://static.prod.iranwire.com/articleslide/1536x864_cmsv2_a8c303c6-d432-51b9-a961-69e1d66475cb-9682520_TqJW.webp","https://www.arabnews.com/sites/default/files/styles/n_670_395/public/2026/03/13/4693487-1269060834.jpg?itok=weei358a","https://e3.365dm.com/26/03/2048x1152/skynews-lyme-bay-rfa_7187670.jpg","https://cdn.ttweb.net/News/images/379716.jpg?preset=w800_q70","https://cdn.i24news.tv/uploads/cd/6e/69/e9/6c/a7/6e/52/30/f0/96/f7/18/c5/8f/94/cd6e69e96ca76e5230f096f718c58f94.jpg?width=996","https://i0.wp.com/www.nationalreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/top-shots-092923-25.jpg?fit=2057%2C1200&ssl=1","https://img5.eadaily.com/r650x400/o/cff/bdce4a3d8a70feaf3f7948651a56b.jpeg","https://i2-prod.themirror.com/news/politics/article1735670.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200b/0_WAR-IRAN-US-ISRAEL-THAILAND-ATTACK-LOGISTICS.jpg","https://images.investinglive.com/images/strait%20of%20Hormuz_id_efccbf64-0d11-4361-aeec-7e70046c8ef6_size975.jpg","https://cf-images.eu-west-1.prod.boltdns.net/v1/static/2685123856001/17a19407-794b-42cc-b627-1af593be8fb1/ebd6703e-d586-4e6f-8f2c-462e9d4657de/1280x960/match/image.jpg","https://www.al-monitor.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_hero_medium/public/2026-03/2026-03-12T150352Z_1_LYNXMPEM2B0ZQ_RTROPTP_4_IRAN-CRISIS-BRITAIN.JPG?h=c6980913&itok=Oz7jjZ7P","https://storage.united24media.com/thumbs/x/a/e8/912971191fa8f67de4ae28413340ce8a.jpg","https://static-cdn.toi-media.com/www/uploads/2026/01/AFP__20250927__76YJ86N__v2__HighRes__LebanonIsraelConflictHezbollah-e1769463162137.jpg","https://cdn.zonebourse.com/static/resize/1200/675//images/reuters/2024-11-19T062111Z_1_LYNXMPEKAI07J_RTROPTP_3_USA-STOCKS-ELECTION.JPG","https://www.oilandgas360.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Italy-oil-and-gas-1024x614.jpg","https://www.reuters.com/resizer/v2/QBR3FCDHKJN5JKLOPDPNCBENZM.jpg?auth=ad86f2964813f86246cf5825dccdbc6adb1b2e20243751deed4329c3e7b5087f&width=1920&quality=80","https://cdn-images.the-express.com/img/dynamic/12/1200x630/529715.jpg","https://www.thenationalnews.com/resizer/v2/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.jwplayer.com%2Fv2%2Fmedia%2FAGpe7HcZ%2Fposter.jpg%3Fwidth%3D480%26thumbnail_version%3D1?smart=true&auth=a217665504e7f93380edb94a089cf1a487e2df21dc5fa16c75f7149e6405871a&width=400&height=225","https://www.the-sun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/03/1500-thursday-march-12-defence-1066020655.jpg?quality=80&strip=all","https://imageio.forbes.com/specials-images/imageserve/69b433f8d798a3e783942fca/ITALY-FRANCE-POLITICS-DIPLOMACY/960x0.jpg?height=473&width=711&fit=bounds","https://minutemirror.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/hormuzwithstates1750613458-0-412x290-1.webp","https://image.dngroup.com/global/nhst/binary/bb863296d785e468de87ee724ad0fc27?crop=436%2C291%2Cx0%2Cy0%2Csafe&width=1100&format=auto&quality=80","https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1Yuvrr.img?w=412&h=232&q=60&m=6&f=jpg&u=t","https://lavocedinewyork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/a6271cf5f321a4b22141972b04760192.jpg","https://i0.wp.com/tvdelmarva.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/news-1773408106701.jpg?resize=450%2C300&ssl=1","https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260313/1303_ARJUN_EUROPEANS_2AM_BREAKING-00000002.jpg?im=FitAndFill=(700,400)","https://api.brusselstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/46fabb54-emmanuel_macron_august_2024-768x1024.jpg","https://www.japantimes.co.jp/japantimes/uploads/images/2026/03/13/528938.jpg","https://thecradle-main.oss-eu-central-1.aliyuncs.com/public/articles/fd851d6e-1efd-11f1-9552-00163e02c055.webp","**Geopolitical energy negotiations between France, Italy, and Iran over Strait of Hormuz oil supplies represent a critical supply chain risk factor for cross-border e-commerce sellers**, particularly those operating in European markets or shipping internationally. The Strait of Hormuz handles approximately 20-30% of global petroleum trade, making it one of the world's most critical energy chokepoints. While the reported negotiations lack detailed public information, the strategic importance of this corridor means any shifts in oil sourcing patterns directly impact global energy prices and, consequently, logistics costs for sellers.\n\n**For cross-border sellers, energy cost fluctuations translate directly into fulfillment expenses.** Shipping rates, 3PL provider costs, and Amazon FBA fees are all indexed to fuel surcharges and transportation expenses. Sellers shipping to EU markets (France, Italy, Germany, UK) face particular exposure because European logistics networks rely heavily on fuel-intensive last-mile delivery. A 10-15% increase in crude oil prices—which could result from supply chain disruptions or geopolitical tensions—typically translates to 8-12% increases in parcel shipping rates within 30-60 days. For a seller shipping 1,000 units monthly to Europe at $3-5 per unit shipping cost, this represents $240-600 in additional monthly expenses.\n\n**The timing window is critical for sellers to optimize supply chains before potential cost increases materialize.** Sellers should monitor energy market indicators (WTI crude prices, shipping indices like the Cass Freight Index) and consider strategic actions: (1) negotiating fixed-rate shipping contracts with 3PL providers for 6-12 month periods before rates adjust, (2) evaluating inventory positioning to reduce shipping distances (consider EU-based fulfillment centers), (3) stress-testing margin assumptions with 10-15% fuel surcharge scenarios, and (4) reviewing product category profitability to identify which SKUs can absorb cost increases versus which require pricing adjustments.\n\n**Competitive dynamics shift based on seller preparedness.** Large sellers with established 3PL relationships and negotiating power can lock in rates; small sellers relying on spot-market shipping face immediate cost pressure. Sellers in high-margin categories (electronics, beauty, supplements) have pricing flexibility; sellers in low-margin categories (apparel, home goods) face margin compression. EU-based sellers with local fulfillment networks gain competitive advantage over US-based sellers shipping internationally, as they avoid long-haul fuel surcharges.",[44,47,50,53,56,59,62,65],{"title":45,"answer":46,"author":5,"avatar":5,"time":5},"How do oil price fluctuations from Strait of Hormuz negotiations affect my shipping costs?","Oil price changes directly impact fuel surcharges applied by shipping carriers and 3PL providers. The Strait of Hormuz handles 20-30% of global petroleum, so geopolitical shifts affecting this corridor influence global crude prices within 2-4 weeks. A 10% increase in WTI crude typically translates to 8-12% increases in parcel shipping rates within 30-60 days. For sellers shipping 1,000 units monthly to Europe at $4/unit, this represents $320-480 in additional monthly costs. Monitor crude prices weekly and lock in fixed-rate shipping contracts before anticipated increases.",{"title":48,"answer":49,"author":5,"avatar":5,"time":5},"Should I shift inventory to EU fulfillment centers to reduce shipping exposure?","Yes, EU-based fulfillment provides significant protection against fuel surcharge volatility. Sellers using Amazon FBA in Germany, UK, or France avoid long-haul transatlantic shipping costs and fuel surcharges. A seller shipping 500 units monthly from US to EU pays approximately $2,500-3,500 in fuel surcharges annually; EU-based fulfillment eliminates this exposure. Consider evaluating 3PL providers in Germany (DHL, DPD) or UK (Fulfillment by Amazon EU) for 30-40% cost savings on European shipments. The 4-6 week transition period requires planning, so initiate evaluations immediately.",{"title":51,"answer":52,"author":5,"avatar":5,"time":5},"Which product categories are most vulnerable to shipping cost increases?","Low-margin categories (apparel, home goods, basic electronics) face severe margin compression from 8-12% shipping cost increases. High-margin categories (supplements, beauty, premium electronics) can absorb costs through pricing adjustments. A seller in apparel with 25% margins loses 3-5 percentage points of profit from shipping increases; a beauty seller with 45% margins loses only 1-2 points. Evaluate your category's pricing elasticity: if you can raise prices 3-5% without losing sales, you can offset costs. If not, consider shifting inventory mix toward higher-margin SKUs or reducing SKU count in vulnerable categories.",{"title":54,"answer":55,"author":5,"avatar":5,"time":5},"What is the timeline for negotiating fixed-rate shipping contracts?","Negotiate immediately—within the next 30 days. Shipping carriers typically lock rates for 6-12 month periods, and rates adjust quarterly based on fuel indices. If negotiations between France, Italy, and Iran escalate tensions, energy markets will price in risk premiums within 2-4 weeks. Carriers will adjust surcharges 30-60 days after crude price movements. Contact your 3PL provider or carriers (FedEx, UPS, DHL) and request fixed-rate quotes for 6-month and 12-month periods. Provide volume commitments (monthly unit counts) to negotiate 5-10% discounts versus spot rates.",{"title":57,"answer":58,"author":5,"avatar":5,"time":5},"How should I adjust pricing strategy if shipping costs increase 10-15%?","Implement tiered pricing adjustments based on category margins and customer price sensitivity. For high-margin categories (40%+ gross margin), increase prices 3-5% to offset 8-12% shipping increases while maintaining absolute profit dollars. For mid-margin categories (25-40%), increase prices 2-3% and reduce SKU complexity to lower fulfillment costs. For low-margin categories (under 25%), consider exiting or shifting to higher-margin variants. Test price increases on 10-20% of inventory first to measure elasticity. Monitor conversion rates and adjust within 2 weeks if drop exceeds 15%.",{"title":60,"answer":61,"author":5,"avatar":5,"time":5},"What geopolitical indicators should I monitor for shipping cost warnings?","Track three key indicators: (1) WTI crude oil prices—set alerts for 10%+ weekly moves, (2) Cass Freight Index—measures shipping rate trends across carriers, (3) Strait of Hormuz shipping reports—monitor news for disruptions or tensions. Subscribe to energy market newsletters (EIA Weekly Petroleum Report) and shipping indices (Freightos, Cass). When crude rises above $85/barrel or shipping indices increase 5%+, expect carrier surcharge increases within 4-6 weeks. Adjust inventory and pricing strategies proactively rather than reactively. Set monthly review meetings with your 3PL provider to discuss rate forecasts.",{"title":63,"answer":64,"author":5,"avatar":5,"time":5},"Are EU-based sellers more exposed to these shipping cost increases than US sellers?","Paradoxically, EU-based sellers have lower exposure if they use local fulfillment networks. EU sellers shipping domestically avoid long-haul fuel surcharges and benefit from efficient regional logistics. However, EU sellers importing inventory from Asia or US face higher exposure because they absorb inbound shipping costs. US-based sellers shipping to EU face the highest exposure—they pay transatlantic shipping plus EU fuel surcharges. A US seller shipping 500 units monthly to EU pays $2,500-3,500 annually in fuel surcharges; an EU seller importing from Asia pays $1,500-2,000. Consider your supply chain geography when evaluating risk.",{"title":66,"answer":67,"author":5,"avatar":5,"time":5},"What compliance or regulatory changes should I expect from France-Italy-Iran negotiations?","Monitor EU sanctions policy changes, which could affect import duties and compliance costs. If France and Italy negotiate oil deals with Iran, EU sanctions frameworks may shift, potentially affecting tariff classifications and customs procedures. Currently, Iran-origin goods face strict EU import restrictions. Any policy shift could open new sourcing opportunities or create compliance complexity. Subscribe to EU Trade Commissioner announcements and consult customs brokers about potential tariff code changes. While direct impact is uncertain, geopolitical shifts often precede regulatory changes by 2-3 months. Maintain flexibility in supplier diversification strategies.",[69,74,79,83,88,92,96,100,104,108,112,116,120,124,128,132,136,140,143,147,151,155,159,163,167,171,175,179,183,187,191,195,199,203,207,211,215,219],{"id":70,"title":71,"source":72,"logo":11,"time":73},578260,"France and Italy open talks with Iran seeking safe passage through Strait of Hormuz - FT","https://seekingalpha.com/news/4564356-france-and-italy-open-talks-with-iran-seeking-safe-passage-through-strait-of-hormuz-ft","4D AGO",{"id":75,"title":76,"source":77,"logo":31,"time":78},578261,"UK considers defending Strait of Hormuz & weighs mass evacuation plans as Iran prepares to 'destroy' global economy","https://www.the-sun.com/news/16077809/uk-evacuate-middle-east-defend-hormuz/","5D AGO",{"id":80,"title":81,"source":82,"logo":34,"time":78},578360,"Sea mines ‘likely’ being planted in Strait of Hormuz by Iran, says UK minister","https://www.tradewindsnews.com/casualties/sea-mines-likely-being-planted-in-strait-of-hormuz-by-iran-says-uk-minister/2-1-1959473",{"id":84,"title":85,"source":86,"logo":5,"time":87},578242,"France presses on with Hormuz ideas, no secret Iran talks","https://politiko.com.ph/2026/03/14/france-presses-on-with-hormuz-ideas-no-secret-iran-talks/politiko-global/","3D AGO",{"id":89,"title":90,"source":91,"logo":20,"time":73},578264,"France and Italy open talks with Iran amid oil scandal, leaving Trump humiliated","https://www.themirror.com/news/world-news/france-italy-open-talks-iran-1735672",{"id":93,"title":94,"source":95,"logo":22,"time":78},578363,"Autonomous mine-hunting systems are now in the Middle East, confirms Healey","https://www.forcesnews.com/epic-fury/autonomous-mine-hunting-systems-are-strait-hormuz-healey-confirms-visit-northwood",{"id":97,"title":98,"source":99,"logo":5,"time":73},578243,"France and Italy open talks with Iran in hope of securing safe Hormuz passage: FT","https://www.forexfactory.com/news/1388608-france-and-italy-open-talks-with-iran-in",{"id":101,"title":102,"source":103,"logo":17,"time":73},578265,"Report: France and Italy open diplomatic channel with Iran to secure passage of ships through Hormuz","https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/international/artc-report-france-and-italy-open-diplomatic-channel-with-iran-to-secure-passage-of-ships-through-hormuz",{"id":105,"title":106,"source":107,"logo":28,"time":78},578364,"UK exploring additional Gulf deployments after minehunter withdrawal","https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/uk-exploring-additional-gulf-deployments-after-minehunter-withdrawal-2026-03-12/",{"id":109,"title":110,"source":111,"logo":18,"time":73},578262,"France and Italy to Iran: Hey, Let’s Make a Deal!","https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/france-and-italy-to-iran-hey-lets-make-a-deal/",{"id":113,"title":114,"source":115,"logo":39,"time":78},578361,"G7 considering warship escorts for vessels in Strait of Hormuz","https://www.brusselstimes.com/2017581/g7-considering-warship-escorts-for-vessels-in-strait-of-hormuz",{"id":117,"title":118,"source":119,"logo":21,"time":73},578263,"Britain's Defence Secretary says Iran is likely laying mines in Strait of Hormuz","https://investinglive.com/news/britains-defence-secretary-says-its-iran-is-likely-laying-mines-in-strait-of-hormuz-20260312/",{"id":121,"title":122,"source":123,"logo":16,"time":78},578362,"Healey: Iran likely mining Strait of Hormuz","https://breakingthenews.net/Article/Healey:-Iran-likely-mining-Strait-of-Hormuz/65862846",{"id":125,"title":126,"source":127,"logo":38,"time":73},578246,"US-Iran War: Reports: France, Italy Dial Iran Seeking Safe Passage For Ships Through Hormuz | WION","https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-reports-france-italy-dial-iran-seeking-safe-passage-for-ships-through-hormuz-wion-1773438265216",{"id":129,"title":130,"source":131,"logo":14,"time":73},578247,"‘No secret Iran talks’: France presses on with Hormuz ideas","https://www.arabnews.com/node/2636316/world",{"id":133,"title":134,"source":135,"logo":35,"time":73},578244,"Defence secretary signals British forces to help evacuate Britons","https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/defence-secretary-signals-british-forces-to-help-evacuate-britons/vi-AA1YunTD?cvid=69b3f3ec02834d82aabc706cf3946005&ocid=hpmsn",{"id":137,"title":138,"source":139,"logo":5,"time":73},578266,"The government denies the Financial Times: No confidential negotiations for the passage of ships through Hormuz","https://www.agenzianova.com/en/news/il-governo-smentisce-il-financial-times-nessun-negoziato-riservato-per-il-passaggio-delle-navi-ad-hormuz/",{"id":141,"title":106,"source":142,"logo":23,"time":78},578365,"https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/03/uk-exploring-additional-gulf-deployments-after-minehunter-withdrawal",{"id":144,"title":145,"source":146,"logo":5,"time":73},578245,"France and Italy reported in talks over Hormuz passage in move that could ease crude","https://www.marketwatch.com/livecoverage/stock-market-today-dow-s-p-500-nasdaq-retreat-brent-up-pce-gdp-data/card/france-and-italy-reported-in-talks-over-hormuz-passage-in-move-that-could-ease-crude-eW18btG8Qny2wK49eTWm?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqe98KEu5jPUzH9gaz24bJnBjlZ9QkVM7gX6nOTVl1_QjzpH1THMuaHb&gaa_ts=69b4e1fd&gaa_sig=uxd97-HjNdB-iBroZqyF9CX0IdDImUfglid-wNd-QN_SBAdduCX2eNx7zukc0SFDU0dsDrVICUyJrNSVDvEm0w%3D%3D",{"id":148,"title":149,"source":150,"logo":37,"time":73},578267,"European Nations Seek Shipping Security Deal with Iran in Key Waterway","https://www.finedayradio.com/news/tv-delmarva-channel-33/european-nations-seek-shipping-security-deal-with-iran-in-key-waterway/",{"id":152,"title":153,"source":154,"logo":10,"time":73},578259,"European Allies Talk With Iran to Seek Safe Passage Through Hormuz: Report","https://www.newsweek.com/european-allies-talk-iran-seek-safe-passage-hormuz-report-11673758",{"id":156,"title":157,"source":158,"logo":5,"time":78},578358,"The G7 nations are preparing to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz.","https://ubn.news/the-g7-nations-are-preparing-to-escort-ships-through-the-strait-of-hormuz/",{"id":160,"title":161,"source":162,"logo":13,"time":78},578359,"G7 Leaders Agree to Safeguard Oil Route After Iran Threatens Strait of Hormuz","https://iranwire.com/en/news/150293-g7-leaders-agree-to-safeguard-oil-route-after-iran-threatens-strait-of-hormuz/",{"id":164,"title":165,"source":166,"logo":25,"time":73},578250,"France presses on with Hormuz ideas, no secret Iran talks, sources say","https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/france-presses-on-with-hormuz-ideas-no-secret-iran-talks-sources-say/",{"id":168,"title":169,"source":170,"logo":19,"time":73},578253,"Financial Times: EU countries, including Italy and France, have started negotiations with Iran","https://eadaily.com/en/news/2026/03/13/financial-times-eu-countries-including-italy-and-france-have-started-negotiations-with-iran",{"id":172,"title":173,"source":174,"logo":36,"time":73},578254,"Italy Refutes Reports of Talks with Iran to Reopen Sea Traffic Through Hormuz","https://lavocedinewyork.com/en/news/2026/03/13/italy-refutes-reports-of-talks-with-iran-to-reopen-sea-traffic-through-hormuz/",{"id":176,"title":177,"source":178,"logo":41,"time":73},578251,"EU states seek 'talks' with Iran for access to Strait of Hormuz: Report","https://thecradle.co/articles-id/36471",{"id":180,"title":181,"source":182,"logo":12,"time":73},578252,"US mulls more warships in West Asia as European nations engage Iran on Hormuz passage","https://www.firstpost.com/world/us-mulls-more-warships-in-west-asia-as-european-nations-engage-iran-on-hormuz-passage-13989367.html",{"id":184,"title":185,"source":186,"logo":24,"time":73},578257,"France and Italy Initiate Diplomatic Efforts with Tehran to Secure Strait of Hormuz","https://united24media.com/latest-news/france-and-italy-initiate-diplomatic-efforts-with-tehran-to-secure-strait-of-hormuz-16851",{"id":188,"title":189,"source":190,"logo":29,"time":73},578356,"Panicking EU rushes to talks with Tehran over Strait of Hormuz as oil prices explode","https://www.the-express.com/news/world-news/201952/eu-talks-tehran-strait-hormuz-oil-prices",{"id":192,"title":193,"source":194,"logo":26,"time":73},578258,"Italy foreign ministry denies FT report over negotiations with Iran to reopen Hormuz Strait to Italian vessels","https://www.marketscreener.com/news/italy-foreign-ministry-denies-ft-report-over-negotiations-with-iran-to-reopen-hormuz-strait-to-itali-ce7e5fd3db8bf426",{"id":196,"title":197,"source":198,"logo":15,"time":78},578357,"UK weighs options to defend shipping in Strait of Hormuz","https://news.sky.com/story/uk-weighs-options-to-defend-shipping-in-strait-of-hormuz-13518934",{"id":200,"title":201,"source":202,"logo":40,"time":78},578577,"Iran has likely begun laying mines in Strait of Hormuz, U.K. says","https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/03/13/world/iran-laying-mines-hormuz-uk/",{"id":204,"title":205,"source":206,"logo":33,"time":73},578255,"Tensions rise as Europe seeks safe passage through Hormuz","https://minutemirror.com.pk/tensions-rise-as-europe-seeks-safe-passage-through-hormuz-520355/",{"id":208,"title":209,"source":210,"logo":27,"time":73},578256,"Italy denies negotiating safe passage through Hormuz Strait with Iran","https://www.oilandgas360.com/italy-denies-negotiating-safe-passage-through-hormuz-strait-with-iran/",{"id":212,"title":213,"source":214,"logo":32,"time":73},578355,"France and Italy Reportedly Negotiate With Iran To Get Oil Through Strait of Hormuz","https://www.forbes.com/sites/maryroeloffs/2026/03/13/europe-negotiating-with-iran-for-oil-access-through-strait-as-us-still-blocked-report-says/",{"id":216,"title":217,"source":218,"logo":5,"time":73},578248,"Italy Denies Talks with Iran on Strait of Hormuz Safe Passage - News and Statistics","https://www.indexbox.io/blog/italy-denies-negotiating-with-iran-for-strait-of-hormuz-passage/",{"id":220,"title":221,"source":222,"logo":30,"time":73},578249,"France pushes for Gulf convoys but is there a role for Tehran or Washington?","https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2026/03/13/france-pushes-for-gulf-convoys-but-is-there-a-role-for-tehran-or-washington/","#14aea7ff","#14aea74d",1773815449659]