The German Navy plans to send a minesweeper to the Mediterranean Sea in the coming days so it can be used in the Strait of Hormuz, a representative of the German Ministry of Defense said on Saturday, according to LETA citing DPA.
"This is a preparatory step to ensure the possible participation of the Bundeswehr in an international mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz," she said in response to journalists' questions.
This move will save time by ensuring the rapid deployment of the minesweeper 'Fulda' as soon as the conditions set by the government are met, the ministry representative explained.
Earlier, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that units of the German Navy would be deployed in the Mediterranean Sea as part of preparations for a possible deployment in the Strait of Hormuz, which is effectively blocked due to the conflict.
A minesweeper and a command supply vessel will be deployed, Pistorius said in comments published on Saturday by the 'Rheinische Post', without specifying when the ships would set sail.
As preliminary conditions for any deployment, he mentioned a prolonged ceasefire, a legal basis under international law, and a mandate from the lower house of the German parliament - the Bundestag.
The minister pointed to the capabilities of the German Navy in the field of mine clearance, noting that Germany traditionally holds a leading position in NATO in this area.
Germany regularly sends a minesweeper or command supply vessel to the first permanent NATO mine countermeasure group, which operates mainly off the coast of Northern Europe.
After the U.S. and Israel began strikes against Iran on February 28, Iran responded by effectively blocking the Strait of Hormuz, which is crucial for global energy trade.
The blockade has caused serious disruptions in global trade, sharply increasing energy prices and prompting urgent measures to prevent fuel shortages. The reopening of the strait has become one of the key issues in negotiations to end the war.
The German minesweeper 'Fulda' has completed its current participation in the first NATO mine countermeasure group, the ministry representative reported.
The vessel is preparing for a possible deployment in the Strait of Hormuz, and logistical and administrative procedures will be carried out in the coming days when the ship enters the port of Kiel, she said.
When the vessel is ready, 'Fulda' will soon be sent to the Mediterranean Sea, where it will initially perform tasks in the second permanent NATO mine countermeasure group, which operates mainly in the Mediterranean and adjacent waters, the representative of the German Ministry of Defense explained.
The ministry and the federal government will "make a significant and noticeable contribution" to the international coalition to protect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, she added, explaining that Germany has expressed its readiness to provide support in the form of mine clearance, command supply platforms, and maritime reconnaissance.
She emphasized that key conditions remain a prolonged cessation of hostilities, a legal basis under international law, and a mandate from the Bundestag.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the country is ready to participate in a multinational mission to ensure the security of the Strait of Hormuz, preferably with the participation of the United States.
According to the chancellor, Germany would help ensure freedom of navigation in the strait by providing mine clearance and maritime reconnaissance capabilities.
