France and UK to Secure Strait of Hormuz Shipping with Oman

French President Emmanuel Macron said talks with Oman's sultan were a "positive development" and announced that France will adjust its naval presence in the Strait of Hormuz. The aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle will return to Toulon, while French minesweeping units will stay on standby to operate with partners. Britain also joined the plan, and together with Oman the three countries aim to protect commercial navigation in Omani territorial waters and conduct joint minesweeping operations.

Iran rejected any international minesweeping effort, claiming under the U.S.-Iran framework that it alone is responsible for clearing the waterway and warning that only routes set by Tehran are safe. Tehran also objects to what it calls "provocations" and seeks to charge fees for passage. The initiative follows a recent attack on a merchant vessel using the coastal traffic zone near Oman. France and the United Kingdom said they remain ready to launch a broader multinational naval mission to ensure freedom of navigation in the strait if required.