Iran will not cooperate with other countries to de-mine Strait of Hormuz

Lead

Iran has announced it will clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz on its own, declining any foreign cooperation in the effort, according to statements from Iranian officials. The announcement follows a French-Omani initiative to secure the strategic waterway, highlighting ongoing tensions in a region vital to global oil shipments.

Coverage Comparison

Reports from Africa News and Deutsche Welle both detailed Iran's insistence on unilateral demining, with each noting that Iran's position was conveyed by a senior diplomat and in an official statement. The two outlets also covered the French initiative, though they placed different emphasis on the broader context. Africa News highlighted the lingering maritime security concerns and the recent lowering of the threat level, while Deutsche Welle framed the development against the backdrop of sustained US-Iranian tensions despite a temporary agreement.

Key Claims

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said on X that, according to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between Tehran and Washington, mine clearance in the Strait of Hormuz should be carried out solely by Iran, as reported by Deutsche Welle and Africa News. A separate statement from the Iranian Foreign Ministry, carried by Africa News, echoed this position, adding that Iran would not cooperate with any other country on the matter.

Earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France and Oman were working together and would cooperate with partners to clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz. As reported by Deutsche Welle, Macron made his remarks on X after talks with Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. Africa News similarly reported that Macron's announcement followed his meeting with the sultan during his first official visit to France.

Gharibabadi described the situation as sensitive and complex, cautioning France against further provocation, according to Deutsche Welle. The Iranian Foreign Ministry statement, as reported by Africa News, urged France not to complicate the situation with what it termed 'provocative actions'.

The statements come at a time when maritime security through the Strait of Hormuz remains a concern. According to Africa News, shipping had gradually resumed after the United States and Iran reached a memorandum of understanding, leading the US-led Joint Maritime Information Center on June 18 to lower the threat level in nearby waters to moderate. However, that report also noted that a container ship and an oil tanker were attacked in the vicinity on Thursday and Saturday of last week, respectively. Additionally, the US Central Command said last Friday that US forces had struck Iranian targets in response to an attack on a commercial vessel near the Strait a day earlier.

Deutsche Welle reported that Iran and Oman held a meeting of the Hormuz Joint Committee to discuss the management of the strait, and that the US and Iran had agreed to halt attacks and resume technical talks, as part of the interim understanding.