Iran has strongly opposed the deployment of a French aircraft carrier for a possible mission aimed at restoring confidence among shipowners in the troubled Strait of Hormuz. On the other hand, US President Donald Trump described Iran’s response to a US proposal as “completely unacceptable”. Trump also accused Tehran on Sunday of “playing games.”
At the same time, diplomatic tension increased further after Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Kazem Gharibabadi issued a stern warning on social media platform X. He cautioned that any international naval cooperation with Washington’s current maritime strategy would be viewed as a direct provocation.
Gharibabadi wrote that “the presence of French and British warships, or warships of any other country, potentially complicit in the illegal and internationally unlawful actions of the United States in the Strait of Hormuz will be met with a decisive and immediate response”.
The French Armed Forces Ministry confirmed last week that the nuclear-powered Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier was headed towards the strategic waterway. The deployment comes as French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer lead an international mission dedicated to “restoring freedom of navigation” in this vital shipping route.
While Western powers are increasing their naval presence, Iran on Sunday formally responded to America’s new proposal to reduce regional tensions. State media confirmed the message was sent through Pakistani intermediaries, after which Tehran announced it had completed a detailed review of Washington’s proposal.
According to Iran’s state news agency IRNA, the current phase of discussions is expected to focus on ending the ongoing conflict in the region. The new dialogue comes amid reports that Tehran has drawn up a “14-point plan” aimed at countering the US-backed “nine-point peace plan”.
The Iranian proposal reportedly outlines a three-phase roadmap, including a 30-day phase designed to convert a temporary ceasefire into a permanent cessation of hostilities. As part of the talks, Tehran has demanded sanctions relief, the lifting of sanctions on Iranian ports, the withdrawal of US troops from the region and a halt to Israeli military operations in Lebanon.
However, these increased diplomatic efforts are taking place against a backdrop of increased tensions and potential deterioration of stability in the Gulf region. Iran recently warned that its “restraint is at an end” and threatened to retaliate if its ships were targeted. The warning comes after several reports of attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz and off the coast of Qatar.