Full Breakdown
UK and France Partner with Oman to Secure the Strait of Hormuz
7/5/2026, 10:22:47 PM
Agreement
On July 3-4 2026, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron said Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said’s Oman will cooperate with the UK and France to keep Strait of Hormuz safe for navigation. Partners stand ready to deploy Multinational Military Mission, including mine-clearing.
Background
June’s U.S.–Iran memorandum ended four months of conflict and reopened the strait, but Iranian forces had laid mines. Insurers will not underwrite shipments until the mines are cleared, prompting de-mining.
Actors
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, President Emmanuel Macron, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said and Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi are the actors. France sent two mine-hunters, two frigates and a patrol aircraft; the UK will join Multinational Military Mission.
Data
The strait carries about 20 % of global oil and gas and narrows to roughly 33 km. Over two dozen nations back the Multinational Military Mission.
Official Statements
The joint statement called the strait “a vital artery” and affirmed commitment to stability, sovereignty and freedom of navigation under international law. London and Paris said they are ready to activate the Multinational Military Mission. Oman’s foreign ministry gave no comment.
Opposition
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi warned that the strait should not become a venue for extra-regional military displays and that coastal states alone bear responsibility for its security, accusing crisis-makers of adventurism.
Gaps
Oman’s foreign ministry did not reply to inquiries, leaving its stance beyond the joint statement unverified. No count of remaining mines has been released, and Iran has offered only diplomatic warnings without detailing de-mining actions.
Quotes
- “The Strait of Hormuz is a vital artery for the global economy. Restoring safe transit for ships of all nations through the Strait is a matter of global concern.” — Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
- “France is deploying mine-clearing equipment in the Middle East, including two ‘Minehunters’, two ‘frigates’, and a maritime patrol aircraft, which are ready to contribute with our partners to fully resume navigation in the Hormuz waterway and ensure traffic safety.” — Emmanuel Macron, President of France
- “The Strait of Hormuz is not a theater for the military display of extra-regional powers.” — Kazem Gharibabadi, Deputy Foreign Minister of Iran
- “The security of Hormuz lies with the coastal states; the crisis-makers will be held accountable for the consequences of their adventurism; this is a serious warning.” — Kazem Gharibabadi, Deputy Foreign Minister of Iran
Outlook
The UK and France will activate the Multinational Military Mission if de-mining stalls. French mine-countermeasure vessels remain on station, and Sultan Haitham bin Tariq’s upcoming visit to France should deepen coordination.
