Ankara: Iran stated on Tuesday that there is no need for outside interference to clear mines in the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that such involvement "will only make the situation more complicated."
According to Anadolu Agency, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei emphasized Iran's capability to manage its responsibilities independently during a press briefing. "Iran knows its responsibilities better than any other party and has the ability to fulfill them, and there is no need for the intervention of others," Baqaei declared, as reported by the state-run news agency IRN.
By signing a recent memorandum of understanding with Washington, Tehran has committed to providing safe passage for merchant ships, free of charge, for a limited period of 60 days between the Gulf region and the Sea of Oman. Baqaei stated that arrangements have been made to facilitate this process, which will start immediately, with Iran's commitment to clear any technical and military obstacles, including mine clearance, within 30 days.
Baqaei reiterated that Iran is fully prepared to handle this process without external intervention. He also clarified that the ongoing communication line between Iran and the US is managed by their political establishments rather than military authorities, with the Iranian Foreign Ministry taking charge on Iran's end.
His comments came in response to French President Emmanuel Macron's announcement on social media platform X, stating that France and Oman plan to collaborate on demining the Strait of Hormuz to secure maritime routes and ensure free passage. Macron's statement followed his discussions in Paris with Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq during the Sultan's first official visit to France.
Iran has consistently upheld that activities such as navigation management, demining operations, and temporary maritime arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz are governed by Article 5 of the Islamabad memorandum, with Iran coordinating as a coastal state. The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial energy chokepoint globally, has been a focal point of regional tensions since hostilities began on February 28. The Iran-US memorandum, effective June 18, aims to restore maritime transit and establish temporary navigation mechanisms.