Tehran, May 10: Iran has strongly condemned the deployment of French and British naval assets to the Strait of Hormuz, warning that any cooperation with the United States’ current maritime strategy will provoke an immediate and forceful reaction from Tehran.
The tensions escalated after Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi issued a stern warning on the social media platform X, stating that the presence of French or British warships—or those of any other nation aligning with what he called the “illegal and internationally unlawful actions” of the United States—would be met with a “decisive and immediate response.”
His remarks came as the French Ministry of Armed Forces confirmed that the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle is en route to the strategic waterway. The deployment forms part of a broader initiative led by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, aimed at “restoring freedom of navigation” in one of the world’s most critical shipping corridors.
Meanwhile, Iran has formally responded to the latest US proposal on regional de-escalation. State media reported that Tehran delivered its message through Pakistani mediators after completing its review of Washington’s plan. According to Iran’s IRNA news agency, the current phase of diplomacy is expected to focus on ending active hostilities in the region.
Reports suggest that Iran has prepared a comprehensive “14-point plan” to counter the US-backed nine-point framework. The Iranian proposal reportedly outlines a three-stage roadmap, including a 30-day transition period from a temporary ceasefire to a permanent cessation of hostilities. Tehran is also pushing for sanctions relief, removal of restrictions on its ports, withdrawal of US forces from the region, and an end to Israeli military operations in Lebanon.
However, these diplomatic overtures are overshadowed by escalating security threats in the Gulf. Iran recently declared that its “restraint is over” following a series of reported strikes on commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz and the coast of Qatar. The Revolutionary Guards have warned they will launch “heavy attacks” against American interests if Iranian tankers continue to be targeted.
The warnings follow reports that a US fighter jet disabled two Iranian-flagged vessels in the Gulf of Oman, further heightening fears of a potential breakdown in regional stability. With both diplomatic efforts and military manoeuvres unfolding simultaneously, the Gulf remains on edge as the risk of expanded naval confrontation grows.