Iran warns France against any mine-clearing operation in Strait of Hormuz
Iran has warned France against taking part in any mine-clearing activities in the Strait of Hormuz, responding to French President Emmanuel Macron's remarks about working with partners to ensure freedom of navigation through the strategic waterway.
Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Tehran would not allow any foreign country to conduct mine-clearing operations in the strait, stressing that such activities fall exclusively under Iran's responsibility.
"Under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, mine-clearing operations are carried out solely by Iran," Gharibabadi said. "The situation is highly sensitive, and we advise France not to complicate matters further through provocative actions."
His comments came after Macron announced that France would cooperate with international partners and Oman to guarantee free and unconditional passage through the Strait of Hormuz by supporting efforts to clear mines from the waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas shipments passes, remains one of the most strategically important maritime chokepoints. Any escalation involving the waterway is closely watched by global energy markets and regional security observers.(ILKHA)
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