Iran's Warning to UK and France Over Sending Warships to Hormuz

Iran has reacted to the UK and France’s plans to send their naval vessels to the waters of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has warned the UK and France not to interfere in its affairs.

This warning comes as tensions in the Strait of Hormuz intensify, with Iran and the United States (US) vying for control over the strategic waterway for global oil and gas supplies.

Plans of France and the UK

For context, French authorities have announced the deployment of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle towards the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, in preparation for a future joint mission with the UK “aimed at strengthening freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz”.

The UK has also announced it will deploy a warship to the Red Sea in coordination with France.

Iran’s Statement

In response, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, in a statement via social media platform X, as reported by Anadolu Agency on Monday (11/5), criticised the plans announced by France and the UK to deploy naval assets to the region under the pretext of protecting maritime security.

Gharibabadi described the deployment of “destroyers from outside the region” near the Strait of Hormuz under the guise of protecting shipping as a “crisis escalation” and “militarisation of a vital waterway”.

“Maritime security cannot be guaranteed through displays of force,” Gharibabadi stated, adding that countries supporting or remaining silent on US-Israeli aggression against Iran are “part of the problem”.

He further noted that French officials stated the Charles de Gaulle mission would include mine-clearing operations and escorting ships once the situation calms.

“We remind them that, whether in times of war or peace, only the Islamic Republic of Iran can enforce security in this strait and will not allow any country to interfere in these matters,” he said.

Gharibabadi also warned France and the UK that the presence of their ships—or any forces coordinating with what he described as unlawful US actions in the Strait of Hormuz—would face an immediate response from Iran.

“The presence of French and UK ships, or ships from other countries potentially coordinating with America’s unlawful and internationally illegal actions in the Strait of Hormuz, will be met with a firm and immediate response from the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” he emphasised.

“They are strongly advised not to complicate the situation further,” Gharibabadi added.

Macron’s Response

French President Emmanuel Macron responded to Gharibabadi’s criticism. Macron asserted that the deployment of French forces to the Strait of Hormuz “has never been considered” without “coordination with Iran”.

“The deployment of French forces has never been considered,” Macron stressed during a press conference in Nairobi with Kenyan President William Ruto.

However, Macron reaffirmed that France is “on standby” to help resume maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz “in coordination with Iran”.