UK Prime Minister Starmer and French President Macron Issue Statement on Oman Maritime Security Cooperation

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron issued a joint statement on July 3 saying the two countries will work with Oman to safeguard shipping security in its sovereign territorial waters. According to Odaily, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi responded on July 4, saying the Strait of Hormuz is not a venue for military displays by countries outside the region and that Iran opposes any military action that could affect the waterway’s security. Gharibabadi said on social media that Iran, as a guarantor of security in the Strait of Hormuz, will remain highly vigilant regarding related military developments. He added that security in the strait should be jointly maintained by coastal states, and that any actions that create a crisis would leave the parties involved responsible for the consequences. He also said the warning was “serious.”