Iran says de-mining of the Strait of Hormuz will be carried out solely by Iran under an Islamabad memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United States. Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister for Legal and International Affairs, makes the claim in response to French President Emmanuel Macron, who said France and Oman are working to de-escalate tensions and cooperate with partners on clearing mines. Gharibabadi says Iran “does not permit” any involvement by other countries in the de-mining process, arguing the situation is sensitive and complex. He adds that France should not “complicate it further” through what he calls provocations. The Iranian official also says that, in line with the Islamabad MoU, he held talks on Sunday with his Omani counterpart regarding the future management of the Strait of Hormuz. The statements frame a dispute over whether de-mining efforts can include external partners beyond Iran, with France and Oman proposing cooperation while Iran insists on exclusive Iranian control.