Iran rejects international mine-clearance mission in Hormuz
Tehran dismissed a French-backed proposal for an international demining mission in the Strait of Hormuz, insisting the task is Iran's alone.
Iran has rejected French President Emmanuel Macron's proposal for an international mission to help clear mines in the Strait of Hormuz, warning against foreign involvement in the strategic waterway. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said demining is exclusively Iran's responsibility and argued that any external intervention would breach the existing 60-day Iran-US peace framework.
Macron had earlier discussed a joint maritime initiative with Oman aimed at ensuring free passage through the strait, following disrupted shipping and suspended IMO-coordinated evacuations. France and the UK have previously supported efforts to secure the lane, which is critical for global oil flows.
Tensions remain high over the fragile Iran-US ceasefire, with both sides accusing each other of violating its terms. The UN's shipping agency estimates there are around 80 floating mines in the central part of the waterway.
Source: Safety4Sea (via Maasmond Maritime press clippings).
