During an official visit to France and the United Kingdom, it was announced in Nairobi the creation of a special mission supported by 50 countries and international organizations. This initiative aims to restore maritime navigation by coordinating with Iran and de-escalating tensions with all regional countries, as well as with the United States.

France and the United Kingdom stated that they do not plan to send warships directly into the strait. This announcement came after Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs warned that the presence of French and British warships accompanying US forces in the strait would prompt an immediate response from Iran’s armed forces. It was emphasized that countries are advised not to escalate the situation.

The discussions highlight the strategic importance of this maritime route, through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil trade passes.

Earlier, France had announced the deployment of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden as part of preparations for a joint mission with the United Kingdom, aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation in the wider region. The United Kingdom also announced the deployment of one of its warships in coordination with Paris.

The Iranian side regarded these actions as a cover for US operations, which were described as illegal, and stated that any foreign ship accompanying American forces in the strait could provoke a military response. The specific form of such a response was not detailed.

Tehran rejected Western justifications for the deployment of military forces, stressing that maritime security cannot be ensured by displays of military power, especially by states that support or do not prevent aggression and blockades.

Iran also opposed the announced French mission, declaring that only Iran is capable of ensuring security in the strait both in times of war and peace, and will not allow other countries to interfere in these matters.

It was noted that the Strait of Hormuz is not common property for non-regional powers, and that Iran, as a coastal state, has the sovereign right to determine the legal norms regulating this waterway.