France, UK and Oman to secure Strait of Hormuz

France and the United Kingdom announced a joint initiative with Oman to guarantee safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz after Iran rejected an international naval mission. The Sultanate of Oman pledged cooperation, and French President Emmanuel Macron called the talks with the Omani sultan a “positive development.” The French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle is returning to Toulon while French mine‑sweeping vessels and their escort remain on standby to act with partners in the Omani territorial waters.

Iran, which asserts sole responsibility for mine clearance under a U.S.‑Iran framework, has warned that only routes approved by Tehran are safe and has threatened to levy fees for passage. A commercial vessel crossing the coastal traffic zone near Oman was recently attacked, underscoring Tehran’s desire to retain control of the waterway.

Both France and the UK said they are prepared to contribute to a broader multilateral military mission to uphold freedom of navigation in the strait, signalling readiness for a larger international effort if needed.