New initiative: Paris and London want to secure the Strait of Hormuz with Oman

French President Emmanuel Macron spoke of a “positive development” after “constructive talks” with the Sultan of Oman on Monday this week, which is why France is adjusting its naval presence in the region. The aircraft carrier “Charles de Gaulle” is returning to its home port in Toulon, while the French demining forces and their escort remain on site to intervene together with partners. After the meeting with the Sultan, Macron had already spoken of joint demining with Oman and international partners in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran wants to retain control of the strait

Iran then firmly rejected international involvement in demining in the Strait of Hormuz and accused Paris of “provocations”. According to the framework agreement between the USA and Iran, in which opening the Strait of Hormuz to shipping is a central component, responsibility for mine clearance there lies solely with Iran, Tehran said.

While those in power in Tehran want to control passage through the Strait of Hormuz and charge fees for it, the USA and other countries want unrestricted and free passage. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned that passage was only safe on routes determined by Tehran. A merchant ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz using the coastal trade zone off Oman was recently attacked. The new Franco-British initiative involving Oman would mean securing this coastal traffic zone.

International naval mission not off the table

The joint planning with Oman is not intended to be a departure from the originally planned international naval mission, the implementation of which is not yet foreseeable. “France and the United Kingdom are also ready to deploy a broader multinational military mission in support of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz,” the statement added.