Why is France betting on Oman amid the Hormuz crisis?
Summary
France is working to strengthen its relationship with Oman amid tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil shipping. During Sultan Haitham bin Tariq’s first state visit to France since becoming ruler in 2020, both leaders announced major business contracts and called for free navigation through the strait.Key Facts
- Oman is a small, neutral country in the Middle East located near the Strait of Hormuz.
- Sultan Haitham bin Tariq visited France for the first time since becoming Oman’s ruler in 2020.
- French President Emmanuel Macron and Sultan Haitham announced new contracts to boost French-Omani economic ties.
- The Strait of Hormuz is a critical shipping lane where about 20 percent of the world’s oil passes daily.
- The waterway has been disrupted since US-Israeli strikes on Iran began in February 2026.
- Iran plans to charge fees for ships passing through the strait, which the US and France oppose.
- France and Oman support free and unrestricted navigation in the strait.
- The strait is jointly overseen by Iran, Oman, and the UAE under international law, and France stresses it is not solely Iranian territory.
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