Iran has rejected a French-backed proposal to cooperate on demining the Strait of Hormuz, warning Paris against what it described as provocations that could further complicate the sensitive maritime situation.
Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi said in a social media post on Monday that under the Islamabad memorandum of understanding, demining operations in the strategic waterway would be carried out “exclusively by Iran” and not by any other country.
He said any parallel arrangements or foreign involvement in mine-clearing operations would not be permitted, stressing that the current conditions in the strait remain “sensitive and complex.”
“We strongly advise France not to make the situation more complicated with its provocations,” Gharibabadi said.
His remarks came after French President Emmanuel Macron said on X that France and Oman had decided to work jointly, in coordination with partners, on demining the Strait of Hormuz to secure maritime routes and ensure “free and unconditional” passage through the strategic waterway.
