Jul 4, 2026, 08:21Jul 4, 2026, 08:21
After Iran’s rejection of an international naval mission in the Strait of Hormuz, France and Great Britain want to ensure safe shipping through the strait with Oman. “The Sultanate of Oman has agreed to work with France and the United Kingdom to ensure the safety of navigation in its territorial waters,” Paris and London said in a joint statement in the evening.
People in Iran watch a freighter on TV.Image: keystone
French President Emmanuel Macron spoke of a “positive development” after “constructive talks” with the Sultan of Oman on Monday this week, which is why France is adjusting the presence of its navy in the region. The aircraft carrier “Charles de Gaulle” is returning to its home port in Toulon, while the French demining forces and their escort remain on site to intervene together with partners. After the meeting with the Sultan, Macron had already spoken of joint demining with Oman and international partners in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran wants to retain control of the strait
Iran then firmly rejected international participation in mine clearance in the Strait of Hormuz and accused Paris of “provocations”. According to the framework agreement between the USA and Iran, in which the opening of the Strait of Hormuz to shipping is a central component, responsibility for mine clearance there lies solely with Iran, it was said from Tehran.
While those in power in Tehran want to control passage through the Strait of Hormuz and charge fees for it, the USA and other countries want unrestricted and toll-free passage. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned that passage was only safe on routes determined by Tehran. A merchant ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz using the coastal trade zone off Oman was recently attacked. The new Franco-British initiative involving Oman would mean securing this coastal traffic zone.
International naval mission not off the table
The joint planning with Oman is not intended to be a departure from the originally planned international naval mission, the implementation of which is not yet foreseeable. “France and the United Kingdom are also ready to deploy a broader multinational military mission in support of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz,” the statement continued. (dab/sda/dpa)