Iran on Saturday warned against any foreign military deployment in the Strait of Hormuz, rejecting a UK-France proposal to support maritime security operations in the strategic waterway.
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi said in a post on X that the strait “should not serve as a stage for military displays by trans-regional countries,”.
Tehran said it is a guarantor of the waterway’s security and thus opposes any external military presence.
He said responsibility for security in the Strait of Hormuz lies with littoral states and warned that those “provoking crises” would be held accountable for the consequences.
The statement by Iran comes after a joint statement by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron that calls the Strait of Hormuz as a “vital arter”y of the global economy and a matter of international concern “requiring safe passage for commercial shipping.”
The leaders said they were prepared to consider a wider “multinational naval mission” to support “freedom of navigation” in the strait, and noted cooperation from Oman on maritime security efforts in its territorial waters.
Iran rejected the proposal, insisting that maritime security in the region should be managed solely by coastal states and opposing any external military role.
Tehran also criticised Macron on multinational mine-clearing coordination, saying such operations fall under Iran’s jurisdiction.
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow chokepoint linking the Gulf to open seas, is one of the world’s most sensitive maritime corridors due to its role in global energy shipments.
Macron said France had deployed mine-clearing assets to the Middle East, including minehunters, frigates, and a maritime patrol aircraft, to support safe navigation in coordination with partners.
Macron added that France will remain fully mobilized and continue adapting its military posture in line with developments and security needs across the region.
The Charles de Gaulle arrived in the Gulf in mid-May, where it had been placed on standby for a potential “neutral” mission to help secure navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
