Iranian deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi says Tehran will “never” accept the southern shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz—even “not even for one hour”—and warns that if British or French warships or equipment enter the strait to clear mines as part of their proposed multinational mission, they will be treated as “legitimate targets” by Iran, insisting that only Iran and Oman can jointly oversee a new passage and that Hormuz must not return to its pre‑war status. He adds that Iran has not requested talks or a ceasefire with the United States since the latest clashes began, claiming Washington is the side sending messages to avoid further escalation, and says sanctions and blockade pressure will not force Tehran to change course.
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