The French president, Emmanuel Macron, announced this Monday the start of a joint military operation with Oman aimed at clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime corridor that links the Persian Gulf with the Indian Ocean and which was blocked by Iran in the context of the US and Israeli military offensive against Tehran.
"We are working together to reduce tensions in the Middle East. We have decided to collaborate, along with our partners, in clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz to secure maritime routes and guarantee free and unconditional transit," Macron stressed.
The announcement was made during the official visit to Paris of the Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tariq, on which occasion both leaders agreed on the need for a Strait of Hormuz of "free navigation," "without conditions or restrictions."
According to a joint Franco-Omani statement released after the meeting in the French capital, the two parties have decided to "move towards freedom of navigation in the future and carry out joint mine-clearing operations."
The same text emphasizes that "the two heads of state highlighted the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz and reaffirmed their commitment to free navigation, without conditions or restrictions, including the right of transit passage in accordance with the Law of the Sea."
In parallel, Macron highlighted the strategic nature of this visit to strengthen bilateral ties. "We are pleased to welcome His Majesty Haitham bin Tariq, Sultan of Oman on his first official visit to France. The Sultanate of Oman and France are strengthening their alliance today through historic agreements in the economic, scientific, cultural, and industrial fields," the French leader stressed.
The Franco-Omani initiative has provoked a rapid reaction from Tehran. Almost immediately, the Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister, Kazem Qaribabadi, maintained that the mine clearance "will be carried out solely by Iran," in line with what is stipulated in the memorandum of understanding signed between the United States and Iran.
In a message disseminated on social media, Qaribabadi has pointed out that "Macron has said he will collaborate in the demining of the Strait of Hormuz (...). In principle, we are not going to allow such a thing." The Iranian official has added that "the situation is delicate and complex. We strongly recommend that France not complicate it further with its provocations," making clear Tehran's opposition to the plan announced by Paris and Muscat.