Germany signals readiness to demine Strait of Hormuz but under certain conditions
Photo: Friedrich Merz (Getty Images)
Germany has said it is ready to send its minesweepers to the Strait of Hormuz for demining operations, but only under strict conditions, Politico reports.
The issue is set to be discussed on Friday, April 17, in Paris, where German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will meet with French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
A German government spokesperson said the federal government is "prepared to make a German contribution to ensuring freedom of navigation." According to the spokesperson, this could include "mine clearance or maritime reconnaissance."
Merz noted that Germany is "fundamentally ready" to help secure sea routes, but only under strict conditions.
These include a stable ceasefire, a mandate within a collective security framework — "preferably" from the UN — and formal approval by both the federal government and the Bundestag. Merz stressed that Berlin remains "far away" from making such a decision.
Situation in the Middle East
The situation escalated after Washington imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports. According to the US military command, in the first 24 hours, no vessel managed to break through the cordon if it was heading to Iran or refused to pay the fees set by Tehran.
Tehran is considering partially reopening passage through the Omani section of the strait. However, a key condition remains reaching a new agreement to prevent military conflict.
There is also a serious mine threat. The US Navy is currently conducting a high-risk operation to detect and destroy Iranian sea mines, as Washington and Tehran are playing a "deadly game of hide-and-seek" in an effort to prevent a complete disruption of global oil trade.
