Iran Says Only It Will Demine Strait of Hormuz, Rejecting International Roles

What happened

Middle East Eye reports that Iran’s deputy foreign minister for Legal and International Affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi, stated Iran alone is authorized under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to carry out demining operations in the Strait of Hormuz. He stressed that Iran would not permit any other countries to participate in this process.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure or battlefield claim should be read as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source. This statement was made in response to French president Emmanuel Macron’s recent declaration that France and its partners have decided to collaborate on demining the strait to secure maritime routes. Iran’s rejection of such collaborations highlights ongoing tensions over control and security of strategic maritime passages.

On Sunday, Gharibabadi met with his Omani counterpart to discuss the future management of the Strait of Hormuz, under the framework of the Islamabad MoU. This underscores Iran’s reliance on existing bilateral or regional agreements to assert exclusive operational control in the area.

Known from the source

• Iran’s deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi said only Iran can carry out demining in the Strait of Hormuz under the Islamabad MoU.
• Iran will not allow any other country to participate in demining the Strait of Hormuz.
• French president Emmanuel Macron announced a decision to collaborate with partners on demining the strait to secure maritime routes.
• Gharibabadi held talks with his Omani counterpart on managing the Strait of Hormuz under the Islamabad MoU.

What remains unclear

The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical juncture for oil export flows from the Gulf, and any unilateral claims or rejection of international participation are significant given heightened regional security concerns and recent instability involving maritime incidents and conflicts.

What remains unclear: Legal details and scope of the Islamabad MoU regarding demining authority in the Strait of Hormuz. Verification of France’s and other countries’ official positions or plans on demining collaboration in the strait. Whether Oman or other states involved officially agree with Iran’s exclusive role claim. Precise wording around Iran’s refusal of international participation to avoid overstating assertiveness.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: Middle East Eye. Open the source.