Naval mission: Europe and Oman plan protection in the Gulf

France’s President Emmanuel Macron spoke of a “positive development” after “constructive discussions” with the Sultan von Oman on Monday of 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. Already after the meeting with the Sultan, Macron had one joint demining spoke 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 the Opening of the Strait of Hormuz to shipping is a central component, responsibility for mine clearance there lies solely with Iran, it was said from Tehran.

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 one Franco-British advance including Oman would mean securing this coastal traffic zone.

International naval mission not off the table

A departure from the originally planned international one Marinemissionthe implementation of which is not yet foreseeable, should not be part of the joint planning with Oman. “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.