French President Emmanuel Macron hosts Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq at the Élysée Palace for a first official visit to France since 1989. The talks, described across multiple outlets as part of a two-day French visit, center on efforts to secure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and to support a reopening that is toll-free. Multiple reports say Macron has advocated for removing or avoiding any toll arrangement affecting maritime transit through the strait, amid heightened regional tensions involving Iran and shipping routes.
Other coverage also links the discussion to broader regional security concerns, including Iran’s involvement in the management of the strait. One report notes Iran holds its first meeting with Oman on managing Hormuz following a preliminary deal aimed at ending the Middle East war with the United States. In parallel, reporting on coordination with other powers highlights that France and the UK say they will work with Oman to support navigation and help ensure Oman’s sovereign territorial waters are safe.
Several sources also portray Oman as a diplomatic intermediary in the region and say the visit includes commitments and contracts involving French companies, alongside the security and maritime agenda.
