Ankara: Iran on Monday 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 stated 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.
According to Anadolu Agency, Gharibabadi emphasized that 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.' He cautioned France against complicating the situation further with what he termed as provocations.
His remarks came in response to French President Emmanuel Macron's statement on the US social media platform X, where Macron announced that France and Oman had decided to work jointly, in coordination with partners, on demining the Strait of Hormuz. The objective, as outlined by Macron, was to secure maritime routes and ensure 'free and unconditional' passage through the strategic waterway.
The discussions between Macron and Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq took place in Paris during the Sultan's first official visit to France. This development highlights the ongoing geopolitical tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, which is a crucial energy chokepoint globally.
Iran has reiterated that navigation management, demining operations, and temporary maritime arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz are governed by Article 5 of the Islamabad memorandum. This memorandum places such operations under Iranian coordination as a coastal state, reaffirming Iran's stance on maintaining control over activities in the strait.
The Strait of Hormuz has been a focal point of regional tensions, particularly since the outbreak of hostilities on February 28 and the subsequent Iran-US memorandum effective from June 18. The memorandum aims to restore maritime transit and establish temporary navigation mechanisms in the area.