Key facts
- Iran rejected German accusations of mining the Strait of Hormuz.
- Iran insists only it has the right to de-mine the Strait of Hormuz.
- France announced plans to collaborate with allies on demining the strait.
- Naval experts question Iran's capability for extensive demining operations.
- The US military is prepared to undertake demining efforts.
- Saudi Arabia condemned Iran for an attack on a Saudi tanker in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has vehemently denied allegations made by German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul that the country has mined the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqai described Wadephul's claims as 'utterly shameful' and a 'grotesque distortion of reality,' demanding accountability for what he termed Germany's 'war crimes' against Iranians.
Adding to the diplomatic friction, Iran has declared that it will not permit any other country to de-mine the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that only Tehran holds the responsibility for such operations. This statement follows French President Emmanuel Macron's announcement that France, in coordination with allies and Oman, intends to assist in clearing the strait to ensure maritime security. Iran has warned France against 'provocations' that could complicate the sensitive situation.
Despite Iran's assertions of sole demining authority, naval experts suggest that Tehran may lack the necessary experience and technology for large-scale demining efforts. These experts believe that foreign powers, including the U.S. military, are prepared to conduct demining operations if diplomatic avenues do not yield progress.
Iran also called a joint proposal submitted by the UAE and allied countries to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council politically motivated. According to Iran's Mehr News Agency, Tehran urged the body not to adopt the proposal, stating it shifted responsibility to the victim of aggression and ignored the causes of regional instability. Iran's formal response to the IMO said the proposal sought to use the IMO Council as a platform for political pressure under the guise of maritime safety. Tehran asserted that the current dangers in the Gulf, the Sea of Oman, and the Strait of Hormuz stemmed from US and Israeli attacks on Iran.
Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry has condemned Iran for attacking a Saudi tanker transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The ministry called on Tehran to immediately cease 'practices that threaten international maritime navigation and global energy supplies.'