Another NATO nation explores involvement in Strait of Hormuz mine clearance
Photo: Turkish flag (Getty Images)
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said that Ankara could join demining operations in the Strait of Hormuz after a possible peace agreement between Iran and the United States, according to Reuters.
According to him, after an agreement is reached, an international technical group could be formed in the region to carry out demining of the strait.
He added that Turkey generally views such efforts positively as a humanitarian obligation.
Fidan also noted that his country would "have no problem" participating in such operations under appropriate conditions. However, Ankara would reconsider its position if an international coalition becomes a party to a new conflict.
Separately, the diplomat expressed hope that issues related to Iran’s nuclear program could be resolved during the next round of talks planned in Pakistan.
Situation in the Strait of Hormuz
As a reminder, on April 13, the United States announced the start of a maritime blockade of the Strait of Hormuz after Iran restricted vessel movement in response to US and Israeli strikes.
US President Donald Trump said that violators of the blockade could be targeted and also reported significant losses to the Iranian navy.
According to Axios, Iran installed new naval mines this week, while the United States is using underwater drones for demining operations.
At the same time, traffic through the strait — through which about 20% of the world’s oil is transported in peacetime — has dropped to a minimum.
Against this backdrop, Germany has begun preparing for a possible deployment to the area. Berlin plans to transfer a minesweeper and a support vessel in advance, even at the cost of partially reducing its presence in other regions.
