Iran has asserted that only its own forces possess the authority to clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz, citing a memorandum of understanding with the United States as the legal basis for this exclusive role.
The statement, reported by multiple wire services, directly challenges recent international initiatives aimed at reopening the vital shipping corridor without Iranian oversight.
This assertion comes amid heightened geopolitical friction over the strait's security.
Earlier this week, France and Oman pledged a joint mine-clearance operation, signaling a growing coalition effort to mitigate shipping risks independently of Tehran.
Iran's rejection of such multilateral approaches underscores the diplomatic stalemate surrounding the chokepoint's management.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical artery for global energy flows, with a significant portion of the world's seaborne oil passing through its narrow waters.