Only Iran Will Remove Mines from Hormuz: Deputy Foreign Minister
Photo: Reuters.
Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi has made it clear that the task of removing mines from the Strait of Hormuz will be carried out solely by Iran.
He made the remarks in response to a statement by French President Emmanuel Macron, who had earlier said that France, Oman, and other partners would work jointly on the operation.
According to a Reuters report, responding to Macron's comments, Gharibabadi stated, "In accordance with the agreement signed with the United States, Iran will single-handedly carry out the mine-clearing operation in the Strait of Hormuz."
At the same time, Gharibabadi advised France not to further complicate the already sensitive situation.
Earlier, on Monday, Macron met with the Sultan of Oman in France. After the meeting, he announced that the two countries are working to ensure maritime safety and guarantee free and unconditional passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran Rejects French Proposal to Demine Strait of Hormuz
Iran has publicly dismissed a proposal by French President Emmanuel Macron to launch a demining operation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Macron announced the initiative on X following a meeting with Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said at the Élysée Palace, stating that France and its partners would cooperate to "secure maritime routes and guarantee free and unconditional passage."
In response, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi slammed the remarks as provocative. Warning France that the regional climate is already "sensitive and complex," Gharibabadi explicitly advised Paris against further complicating the situation.
Source: Reuters and Daily Sabah
