Iran rejects Macron’s plan to clear Strait of Hormuz: Here’s why

Iran has reportedly turned down French President Emmanuel Macron’s proposal on Monday to collaborate on mine clearance from the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi rejected the plan of a coalition of countries, including France and the US, to work together on the initiative.

Tehran argued that the recent proposal disrupted the natural flow of maritime traffic, arguing it breached the existing ceasefire agreement signed with US President Donald Trump.

The recent remarks were a direct feedback to Macron who said on Monday that he had discussed the maritime crucial mission with Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, agreeing to secure shipment security and guarantee “ free and unconditional passage” through the channel.

On social platform X, Gharribabadi said: “According to the Islamabad memorandum of understanding, demining is carried out solely by Iran and by no other country, and we fundamentally do not permit any such thing.”

“Calling the situation sensitive and complex, we strongly advise France not to complicate it further with its provocations, “Gharribabadi continued.

Washington and Tehran agreed to cease hostilities and resume talks on Monday, after an exchange of protests over the weekend. Meanwhile Trump announced that upcoming discussions would take place in Doha, but no formal negotiations with the United States have been organized yet.

A Memorandum of Understanding signed last week by Tehran and Washington to prolong their ceasefire stipulates that commercial ships may transit the strait free of charge for the next two months. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies; meanwhile the primary US motive is to make sure it remains open, while leaving enough room for diplomacy.

The latest disagreement underlines how tenuous the truce remains despite the June agreement giving Washington and Tehran a 60 day ultimatum to evaluate a 14-point memorandum covering navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Furthermore, both sides have repeatedly accused each other of breaching the agreement regarding Iran’s nuclear program and two-way conciliation efforts.