France and Oman have agreed to launch joint mine clearance operations in the Strait of Hormuz, French President Emmanuel Macron announced following talks with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq in Paris.
The commitment marks a direct attempt to de-risk one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, which has seen persistent vessel attacks and heightened insurance premiums for months.
The agreement comes as shipping unions maintain warzone status for the Strait of Hormuz, reflecting ongoing security concerns despite diplomatic efforts.
The joint operation aims to secure a toll-free reopening of the strait, a key objective of Sultan Haitham’s first official visit to France.
By leveraging Oman’s neutral regional standing, France seeks to build influence and stabilize trade flows through the corridor, which handles a significant portion of global oil shipments.
Markets have been sensitive to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, with Brent crude prices often reacting to news of transit risks.