Iran rejects French-backed Hormuz demining plan, warns against ‘provocations’

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 Kazem Gharibabadi said demining operations in the strategic waterway would be carried out “exclusively by Iran” and not by any other country under the Islamabad memorandum. He said any parallel arrangements or foreign involvement would not be permitted, stressing that the current conditions remain “sensitive and complex.”

France’s proposal and Iran’s response

His remarks came after French President Emmanuel Macron said France and Oman had decided to work jointly, in coordination with partners, on demining the strait to secure maritime routes and ensure “free and unconditional” passage. Gharibabadi later told state broadcaster IRIB that the strait is a “fundamental and important matter” for Iran and that Tehran’s policies are “clearly reflected” in the Islamabad memorandum. He said the memorandum is based on “the sovereign rights of littoral states,” adding that “while sovereignty over the strait belongs to Iran, its management should remain in the hands of coastal states.”

New administrative arrangements

Gharibabadi said Iran and Oman are working toward new administrative arrangements, with expert‑level talks set to begin in the coming weeks. Current transit routes between Iran and Oman date back nearly six decades and “must be revised,” with Iran already presenting proposals for new designated routes. Under Article 5 of the Islamabad memorandum, mine‑clearing “remains solely” under Iranian authority. He warned that if vessels use other routes, Iran will oppose it and seek to prevent it, and that “responsibility for any incidents will rest with them.”