Media: Oman, West conduct covert operation to secure Strait of Hormuz

Oman reportedly sought covert assistance from Western allies to clear underwater mines from its territorial waters in the Strait of Hormuz ahead of the expiration of a 60-day ceasefire between the United States and Iran on August 17.

Ahead of the expiration of the 60-day US-Iran ceasefire, Oman discreetly sought assistance from its Western allies to clear its territorial waters in the Strait of Hormuz of underwater mines planted by Tehran, the French Intelligence Online reports.

According to the publication, Oman privately approached Western partners for help in removing mines laid by Iran.

The report said teams of French, British and US military divers carried out a covert operation in late July and early August. No official announcement was made about the mission.

Intelligence Online said Muscat wanted to complete the operation before the end of the ceasefire, when a new “period of uncertainty” between Washington and Tehran was expected to begin. Clearing the mines reportedly provided Oman and the United States with greater room for maneuver in their dealings with Iran.

Following the expiration of the ceasefire, Tehran again demanded that vessels pay for passage through the Strait of Hormuz. However, the demand was not enforced after the Omani route became partially navigable again.

The publication said French and British forces conducted the operation under a July 6 agreement with Oman signed at the Élysée Palace. The deal provides for cooperation to safeguard maritime navigation in Oman’s territorial waters.

Intelligence Online concluded that the move was a subtle signal of preparations for covert demining operations.

By Vafa Guliyeva