Oman to Cooperate with France and UK on Hormuz Strait Security

Oman has pledged to collaborate with the United Kingdom and France to safeguard the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime passage through which approximately one-fifth of global oil is transported. This agreement comes as the UK and France prepare to launch an allied military mission aimed at protecting the strait from future blockades.

The Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for the global economy, was previously blocked during a conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. This disruption led to a significant increase in worldwide fuel prices, before a fragile truce was established under the Iran nuclear deal during the Donald Trump administration.

Oman's Sultan, who serves as a crucial diplomatic link between Iran and the U.S., visited Paris and London recently to discuss measures for securing the strait. In a joint statement, UK leader K. Starmer and French President E. Macron emphasized that restoring safe passage for all vessels is a matter of global importance.

"The Sultanate of Oman has agreed to cooperate with the United Kingdom and France to ensure that its sovereign territorial waters are safe for navigation," the statement read. Both nations reaffirmed their dedication to regional stability, respecting the sovereignty of all states, and maintaining close cooperation with partners to uphold global security, freedom of navigation, and adherence to international law.