(Bloomberg) — Plans by the UK and France to clear mines in the Strait of Hormuz have hit a snag following new attacks on vessels in the area, just days after Oman approved their assistance in securing its southern route.
British and French mine-hunting ships and personnel are ready to start a limited de-mining operation in Omani waters once they receive a military order, according to unnamed officials from the two countries, as these plans have not been officially announced.
This came after a diplomatic breakthrough when Oman agreed to the mission, which the UK and France announced on July 4.
The timeline for the operation is unclear; some officials suggested it could start as soon as this week, while others cautioned that it might take longer due to the complexities and need for stable conditions, particularly following a recent attack on a Qatari-owned liquefied natural gas tanker.
Three tankers were attacked near the Strait of Hormuz, with the JMIC warning of a “severe” threat.
Officials noted that the timing is sensitive, as there are concerns that this operation could provoke Iran. The Iranian government is currently in a mourning period for the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and despite an interim agreement with the US in June to end their four-month conflict, Iran insists that it should maintain control over this crucial trade route.
Oman has informed Iran of the progress on this diplomatic front, while the UK and France are also in talks with the US, according to the officials.
Leaders are expected to have informal discussions regarding Iran and the Strait of Hormuz at the NATO summit in Turkey this week.
A formal de-mining operation could help ease the concerns of shipowners and insurers about the safety of this vital energy transport route, although recent attacks have raised safety fears.
Iran essentially closed the Strait when the US and Israel began airstrikes against it in late February, and the future management of this chokepoint, including any fees, has become a critical issue in the ongoing peace negotiations.
Industry representatives have warned that despite a ceasefire between the US and Iran, the mines still pose a significant threat to ships.
There are two routes for vessels transiting through Hormuz: one near Iran and another along the Omani coastline. The Omani route was recently expanded to allow simultaneous entry and exit, though details on how this was accomplished remain unclear. At least two mines have reportedly been spotted in proximity to this route since it came into service.
Iran has repeatedly stated it will not allow vessels to pass through Hormuz without its permission, and some ships have recently chosen to divert northward to exit the Persian Gulf through Iranian waters rather than the Omani route.
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi told state TV on June 29 that the responsibility for clearing mines in the area lies solely with Iran, warning Oman that other countries have no right to interfere.
The statement from the UK and France regarding Oman was deliberately vague, indicating that Muscat agreed to “work closely” and “support” efforts to “restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz” and provide reassurance for shipping.
One official mentioned that Oman agreed to provide military protection to British and French forces, which contributed to President Emmanuel Macron's decision to return the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to its home port after nearly two months near the strait.
This operation, confined to Omani territorial waters, would set the stage for a broader multinational mission that the UK and France are preparing to escort ships through the strait, pending a permanent peace agreement.