Iran Rejects French Involvement in Mine Removal in Hormuz Strait

Hormuz Strait [Photo: AP/Yonhap]

Iran has strongly opposed France's mention of possibly participating in mine removal operations in the Hormuz Strait. The Iranian government warned that safety measures in the strait fall under its jurisdiction and will not permit external intervention.

On June 29, Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, stated on social media platform X that "mine removal will only be carried out by Iran, not any other country."

Gharibabadi emphasized, "We fundamentally do not allow any intervention," and cautioned France against complicating the situation with provocative remarks.

Earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron indicated that France and Oman are cooperating to ease tensions in the Middle East and may work with partner nations to ensure safety in the Hormuz Strait.

The Hormuz Strait is a critical passage for global energy transport. Recent attacks on vessels and mine threats have delayed the normalization of shipping traffic, prompting Western nations to stress the need for international cooperation, while Iran maintains that managing the strait is its responsibility.

* This article has been translated by AI.

AJP