UK and France Say Oman Agrees to Cooperation on Maritime Security in Its Territorial Waters

The UK and France said in a joint statement on July 3 that Oman has agreed to cooperate with them to ensure safe navigation within Oman's territorial waters, and that the two countries are ready to deploy a larger multinational joint military operation to safeguard freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Jiemian News. French President Emmanuel Macron said France’s mine-clearing forces in Middle Eastern waters and their escort units are in place and ready to act with partners. The report also said France has adjusted its regional force posture after the US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding, and that the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle has left the Middle East and is sailing back to Toulon.