Iran Rejects French-Omani Proposal to Demine Strait of Hormuz

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

Iranian officials, led by Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, characterized the French initiative as a provocation. Tehran asserts that under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding — a Pakistan-brokered agreement signed June 18 between Iran and U.S. President Donald Trump — demining operations are the exclusive responsibility of Iran. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei added that Iran is well-equipped to manage the process without outside interference.

The tension follows a period of regional hostilities that began in February 2026, including a June 25 Iranian strike on a cargo vessel. The current 14-point memorandum requires Iran to ensure toll-free passage for commercial vessels for 60 days. While Oman has rejected the imposition of transit fees and supported the U.S.-Iran deal, the situation remains fragile as technical teams from Washington and Tehran plan meetings in Doha to manage the waterway.