France, UK, and Oman Partner to Secure Strait of Hormuz

The governments of France, the United Kingdom, and Oman entered a collaborative agreement to restore safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz. This effort follows a July 2 meeting in London between UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, where the leaders discussed regional stability, the Iranian nuclear file, and Oman's role in mediating a June 17 memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran.

On July 3, Emmanuel Macron and Keir Starmer issued a joint statement describing the Strait as a vital economic artery and announcing their readiness to deploy a Multinational Military Mission to support freedom of navigation. The Sultanate of Oman agreed to coordinate with both nations to ensure its sovereign territorial waters remain safe for shipping.

As part of these measures, President Macron deployed mine countermeasures assets, including two minehunters, two frigates, and a maritime patrol aircraft. Following constructive exchanges with the Sultan of Oman, Macron ordered the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to return to its home port in Toulon, while maintaining the demining assets and escorts to ensure regional security.