Iran Warns UK, France Over Naval Presence Plans Near Strait of Hormuz

(MENAFN) Iran has issued a warning that any presence of French or British naval forces in or near the Strait of Hormuz would be met with what it described as an “immediate and decisive response,” according to reports.

Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi made the remarks in a post on social media platform X, criticizing reported plans by France and the United Kingdom to deploy naval assets to the region under the stated objective of protecting maritime security.

He said France has announced plans to send the aircraft carrier *Charles de Gaulle* toward the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden as part of preparations for a potential joint mission with the UK aimed at supporting freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Gharibabadi also stated that Britain intends to deploy a warship to the Red Sea in coordination with France.

He described the deployment of what he called “extra-regional destroyers” near the Strait of Hormuz as an escalation and accused the move of contributing to the “militarization of a vital waterway.”

According to his remarks, maritime security cannot be maintained through military presence, and he argued that states supporting or remaining silent about US-Israeli actions are effectively contributing to regional instability.

He further referenced French statements indicating that the *Charles de Gaulle* mission would include mine-clearing operations and escort duties once conditions stabilize.

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

He reiterated that any French or British deployment—or cooperation with what Iran considers unlawful US actions in the area—would be met with an immediate response.

MENAFN11052026000045017281ID1111095703