Iran Rejects French-Omani Proposal to Demine Strait of Hormuz

The Government of Iran rejected a proposal by French President Emmanuel Macron to establish an international coalition, including France and Oman, to clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz. Following a state visit by Sultan Haitham bin Tariq to Paris on June 29, Macron announced that France and Oman would collaborate with partners to secure maritime routes and ensure unconditional passage.

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi dismissed the initiative as a provocation, asserting that the Islamabad memorandum of understanding — a Pakistan-brokered deal signed June 18 with the United States — grants Iran sole responsibility for demining operations. The dispute emerges amid a fragile 60-day truce between the United States and Iran intended to restore maritime transit. While Oman has rejected the imposition of transit fees for ships crossing the strait, Iranian officials have reiterated their intent to control traffic and potentially impose fees if agreements with Oman fail.

Tensions were further strained by an Iranian projectile strike on a cargo vessel on June 25, which jeopardized the ceasefire. Despite these frictions, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot held a phone call on June 30 to discuss regional security and the framework for ending hostilities. Meanwhile, U.S. representatives were expected in Doha, Qatar, on July 1 to discuss the implementation of the 14-point memorandum, though Tehran denied plans to meet with them.