Key facts
- Iran rejected a French-led proposal for a maritime mission to clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz.
- Iran cited a provisional peace agreement that designates it as solely responsible for demining the waterway.
- French President Emmanuel Macron had discussed safeguarding shipping with Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.
- Iran denied that any negotiation meetings with the United States were scheduled in Doha.
- The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway for global oil and gas deliveries.
Iran has rejected a proposal by French President Emmanuel Macron for a joint maritime mission to clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil and gas shipments. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi dismissed the initiative, which involved France and the U.K., stating it violated an existing provisional peace agreement signed with U.S. President Donald Trump. Gharibabadi asserted that demining the strait is solely Iran's responsibility and warned Paris against further complicating the sensitive situation with provocations.
Macron had announced earlier that he discussed the maritime mission with Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, agreeing to safeguard shipping and guarantee free passage through the strait. The latest disagreement also casts doubt on anticipated U.S.-Iran talks in Doha this week. Following a recent exchange of strikes, Washington and Tehran had agreed to halt attacks and resume negotiations. However, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei insisted that no negotiation meetings with the U.S. were scheduled.
The exchange underscores the fragility of the June 17 ceasefire agreement, which allows 60 days for the implementation of a 14-point memorandum covering navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's nuclear program, and negotiations toward a permanent truce. Both sides have accused each other of violating the terms of this agreement.