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Iran warned Saturday that those who create crises in the Strait of Hormuz "will be held accountable for the consequences of their adventurism," after the United Kingdom and France announced they stand ready to deploy a multinational military mission to the waterway.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi issued the warning in a post on X in direct response to a joint statement from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron.
"The Strait of Hormuz is not a military parade ground for extra-regional powers," Gharibabadi wrote, adding, "Iran, as the responsible power and guarantor of the strait's security, warns against any military move in this sensitive waterway."
"The security of Hormuz lies with the coastal states," he added.
"Crisis-makers will be held accountable for the consequences of their adventurism. This is a serious warning," the Iranian official wrote.
Starmer and Macron described the strait in their joint statement as "a vital artery for the global economy" and said restoring safe transit for ships of all nations through Hormuz "is a matter of global concern."
The two governments announced that Oman had agreed to work with the U.K. and France to ensure its sovereign territorial waters are safe for navigation. The Strait's southern shipping lanes run through Omani territorial waters.
"The U.K. and France also stand ready to deploy the wider Multinational Military Mission to support freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz," the joint statement said, reaffirming both countries' "shared commitment to regional stability, respect for the sovereignty of all States... and international law."
Macron said separately on X that the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle would return to its home port in Toulon following what he described as "positive" developments between the United States and Iran and "constructive discussions" with Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq.
"The aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle will return to its home port in Toulon, while our mine countermeasure assets and their escorts will remain deployed and ready to operate with our partners," Macron said.
He said France's deployed assets include two minehunter vessels, two frigates and a maritime patrol aircraft.
"Accompanied by two frigates and a maritime patrol aircraft, these assets remain ready to help, alongside our partners, fully restore navigation and ensure the safety of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz," Macron said.
Macron cited last month's framework agreement between the U.S. and Iran as "an important step for regional stability" and said France would continue to adjust its military posture in line with the region's security needs.
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