Iran rejects proposal for mine clearance mission in Strait of Hormuz

July 2 ------ Iran has rejected French President Emmanuel Macron’s proposal for an international mission to help clear mines in the Strait of Hormuz, warning against foreign involvement in the strategic waterway.

According to international news, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said demining is exclusively Iran’s responsibility under the “Islamabad memorandum of understanding,” and argued that any external intervention would violate the existing 60-day Iran–U.S. peace framework. He urged France not to “complicate” the situation with what Tehran described as provocations.

Macron had earlier discussed a joint maritime initiative with Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tarik aimed at ensuring “free and unconditional passage” through the strait, following concerns about disrupted shipping and suspended evacuation operations coordinated by the International Maritime Organization.

France and the U.K. have previously supported similar efforts to secure the vital shipping lane, which is critical for global oil flows.

Separately, tensions remain high over the fragile Iran–U.S. ceasefire. Despite an announcement from President Donald Trump that talks would take place in Doha, Iranian officials denied any scheduled negotiations this week, saying no meetings with the U.S. are planned.

The dispute follows recent exchanges of strikes between the two sides, underscoring how unstable the 60-day agreement remains.

That deal outlines a broader 14-point framework covering maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s nuclear program, and steps toward a lasting truce, but both Washington and Tehran continue to accuse each other of violating its terms.

Source: safety4sea.com