France and Oman Push Free Hormuz Passage as Iran Claims Toll Role

France and Oman jointly reaffirmed that the Strait of Hormuz must reopen under UNCLOS, with free, unconditional and unrestricted navigation, and said they will work with partners on demining. Ynetnews and APA quote Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi saying Muscat does not support fees on ships transiting the strait; Ynet Hebrew reports Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi claimed Tehran and Muscat had understandings on collecting fees and that Iran would move alone if Oman refused a joint system. JPost, citing Reuters, separately reported Iran warning Macron against foreign demining intervention. For Israel, denying Tehran tolls or veto power over Hormuz protects the region from Iranian coercion after the US-Israel campaign.