WANA (Jun 29) – Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs has reaffirmed that, under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, mine clearance operations in the Strait of Hormuz are the sole responsibility of Iran. He said Tehran will not allow any foreign country, including France, to take part in the process and stressed that all navigation routes during the transitional period will be determined exclusively by Iran.

 

Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, responded to recent remarks by French President Emmanuel Macron suggesting that France could cooperate with its partners on mine clearance operations in the Strait of Hormuz. Gharibabadi said that, under Article 5 of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, responsibility for mine clearance rests exclusively with the Islamic Republic of Iran.

 

In a post on X, he stated that Iran would not permit France—or any other country—to participate in mine clearance operations in the strategic waterway. He added that the regional situation remains highly sensitive and warned that France should refrain from taking actions or making statements that could further complicate the situation.

 

Gharibabadi said the memorandum explicitly recognizes the sovereign rights of the coastal states and assigns the management of the Strait of Hormuz to those countries. According to him, Iran exercises sovereignty in the area, and the future administration of the strait will be handled by the coastal states, marking a departure from the previous governance framework.

 

He also revealed that during negotiations over the memorandum, the United States had sought to become involved in mine clearance operations, but Iran firmly rejected the proposal. As a result, he said, the final text of the agreement assigns exclusive responsibility for the task to Iran.

 

The deputy foreign minister also referred to his recent discussions with Omani officials, saying that even if Oman wished to conduct mine clearance on its side of the waterway, it would first need to coordinate with Tehran. He added that Iran is prepared to assist Oman if necessary because the overall responsibility for the operation rests with the Islamic Republic.

 

Gharibabadi further stressed Iran’s opposition to the creation of alternative shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz. He said that during the current transitional period, safe navigation corridors will be designated solely by Iran. Any vessel choosing to sail outside those approved routes, he warned, would face Iranian opposition and would bear full responsibility for any consequences.

 

He also announced that Iran and Oman have agreed to establish joint technical committees to begin expert-level talks in the coming days. The discussions will focus on a new framework for managing the Strait of Hormuz, revising existing shipping lanes, and developing the necessary implementation mechanisms.

 

According to Gharibabadi, the current navigation routes through the Strait of Hormuz are based on an agreement between Iran and Oman dating back to 1968. He said Tehran now believes those routes should be revised to reflect today’s regional realities.