France, UK and Oman to secure Strait of Hormuz shipping

After Iran rejected a proposed international naval mission to de‑mine the Strait of Hormuz, France and the United Kingdom announced a joint effort with the Sultanate of Oman to ensure safe passage for commercial vessels through the narrow waterway. In a joint statement, the three parties said Oman will cooperate with French and British forces to protect navigation in Omani territorial waters, with French minesweeping units and escorts remaining on standby.

French President Emmanuel Macron described the talks with the Omani sultan as a "positive development" and indicated that France will adjust its naval presence, noting the carrier Charles de Gaulle is returning to Toulon while French mine‑clearance assets stay ready. Iran, citing a framework agreement with the United States, maintains that de‑mining responsibilities lie solely with Tehran and warned that any transits would be subject to fees it intends to levy.

The cooperation aims to replace the stalled multinational mission and safeguard a key route for global oil and trade shipments.