Iran warns Britain and France against military moves in Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi warned Britain and France that any external military intervention in the Strait of Hormuz would be rejected, stating, “as the responsible and guarantor power for the security of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran warns against any military move in this waterway.”

The United Kingdom and France announced their readiness to deploy a multinational naval mission to protect freedom of navigation in the strategically vital waterway, citing the strait as a “vital artery for the global economy.” Their joint statement was signed by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron. France also confirmed that its aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle had left the Middle East, ending its deployment there.

Oman agreed to coordinate with the British and French forces to ensure safe passage of ships in its territorial waters. The warning comes amid heightened regional tension after Iran had partially closed the strait earlier this year and follows recent diplomatic engagement between Tehran and Washington aimed at de‑escalation.