France, Iran discuss regional Issues as Hormuz row deepens

The foreign ministers of France and Iran held a telephone conversation to discuss regional and international developments, amid rising tensions over control and security in the Strait of Hormuz.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi exchanged views on recent geopolitical developments, including efforts linked to the Islamabad memorandum of understanding and its implementation process aimed at ending the war, according to a statement from Araghchi’s office.

“During this telephone conversation, the sides discussed recent regional and international developments and exchanged views in light of the provisions of the Islamabad memorandum of understanding and the process of its implementation, aimed at ending the war,” the statement said.

The call comes against the backdrop of reports that France is considering participation in demining operations in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy transit route.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi dismissed those reports, insisting that any such operations must remain under Iranian control.

"The issue of the Strait of Hormuz is important and fundamental for Iran," he said.

"No country, including France, will be allowed to interfere in the process of demining the Strait of Hormuz," he added.

The dispute highlights broader regional sensitivities surrounding the management of the waterway. Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi has expressed solidarity with Iran regarding control over the strait.

However, French President Emmanuel Macron said after talks with Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said that France had decided to take part in demining operations in the area, underscoring a potential divergence in positions.

By Tamilla Hasanova