Germany will soon send a minesweeper to the Mediterranean for a possible mission in the Strait of Hormuz after the end of the US-Iran war, a defense ministry spokeswoman told AFP on Saturday.
Details of the Deployment
The German navy's minesweeper "Fulda" will be deployed "in the coming days," the spokeswoman said. The vessel is specialized in detecting and neutralizing naval mines. It will carry a crew of approximately 45 personnel. The objective is to make a "significant and visible contribution to an international coalition seeking to protect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz," she added.
Conditions for the Mission
Any deployment in the strait will only occur after "a lasting end in hostilities" and with approval from the German parliament's lower house. Several countries have expressed readiness to participate in a "neutral" mission to secure the strategic waterway. The United States last week stated it was in the process of de-mining the strait together with Tehran, though Iran has not confirmed this.
Background of the Conflict
The war in Iran began on February 28 with air strikes by the United States and Israel. In response, the Iranian army effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, through which about one-fifth of global oil shipments typically pass, leading to a rise in energy prices. There are prospects of new negotiations between the United States and Iran on a possible end to the war, taking place this weekend in Pakistan. Both sides have sent envoys to Islamabad.
