TEHRAN: Iran Hormuz warning targeted the United Kingdom and France on Saturday after both countries said they were ready to deploy forces to support navigation in the strait.
Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said on X that Iran opposed any military movement in the strategic waterway.
“As a responsible power and guarantor of the Strait’s security, Iran warns against any military movement in this waterway,” Gharibabadi said.
He added that the security of Hormuz was the responsibility of the coastal states. Gharibabadi’s post included a screenshot of the UK-French declaration.
According to the declaration issued on Friday, the Strait of Hormuz is a vital artery for the global economy.
France and the United Kingdom said they were ready to deploy a wider multinational military mission to support freedom of navigation.
The statement also said Oman had agreed to work with European partners to ensure the safety of its sovereign territorial waters.
Iran earlier rejected comments by French President Emmanuel Macron on cooperation with Oman and others to remove mines from the strait. Gharibabadi said mine-clearing in the waterway would be carried out only by Iran.
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The dispute comes during a tense period in the Gulf, where Western powers are seeking long-term navigation guarantees while Tehran insists regional security remains under coastal-state authority.
