Iran has rejected French President Emmanuel Macron’s proposal for an international mission to clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran said the responsibility belongs exclusively to Iran under a provisional memorandum of understanding. The dispute highlights continuing tensions over one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi dismissed the proposal involving France and the United Kingdom, arguing it violated the existing peace framework agreed with the United States. In a post on X, he said mine-clearing operations would be conducted solely by Iran. He also warned France against taking actions that could further complicate the regional situation.
Earlier, Macron said he had discussed maritime security with Haitham bin Tarik and agreed to support efforts protecting commercial shipping through the strategic waterway. France and the United Kingdom have been leading discussions on a multinational maritime mission aimed at ensuring the free and uninterrupted movement of vessels carrying global oil and gas supplies.
Meanwhile, uncertainty also surrounds planned diplomatic contacts between Washington and Tehran. Although US President Donald Trump announced talks in Doha, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said no negotiations with the United States were scheduled in the coming days. The conflicting statements have raised further questions about the future of diplomatic efforts.
The disagreement comes despite a June 17 memorandum that provided a 60-day framework for discussions on maritime navigation, Iran’s nuclear programme, and a permanent ceasefire. Both Washington and Tehran have since accused each other of breaching parts of the agreement, underlining the fragile state of the truce.