Tehran (TDI): Iran has issued a warning to Britain and France over their possible deployment of warships to the Strait of Hormuz, threatening a “decisive and immediate response” if that happens.
The statement came from Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister – Kazem Gharibabadi – on Sunday, as tensions continue to simmer in the Gulf despite a fragile ceasefire between Tehran and Washington.
Gharibabadi said any “extra-regional destroyers” deployed under the pretext of protecting shipping would only escalate the crisis.
His remarks followed reports that Britain has dispatched the Royal Navy destroyer HMS Dragon to the Middle East, where it can potentially join a multinational maritime security mission in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to reports, the proposed initiative is being discussed jointly by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, as European major powers seek to secure the vital energy shipping lane.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical chokepoint for global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies, with roughly one-fifth of the world’s energy shipments passing through the narrow corridor.
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Since the outbreak of the Iran conflict on February 28, when the United States and Israel carried out unprovoked joint strikes across Iran, shipping traffic through the strait has been largely disrupted.
Iran has tightened control over access to the strait, maintaining that US naval blockade violates international law, accused the allies of using maritime security operations as cover for military pressure against Tehran.
Earlier on Sunday, Iran reportedly submitted a response to a US-backed peace proposal aimed at ending hostilities and restoring safe navigation in the Gulf.
However, US President Donald Trump dismissed Tehran’s reply as “totally unacceptable,” signaling continued deadlock over key issues including sanctions, nuclear restrictions, and security guarantees.
Gulf governments have meanwhile expressed concern that any further militarization of the Strait of Hormuz would only bring more instability.
Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani warned against using the waterway as “a pressure tool,” saying such moves risk worsening an already volatile situation.
