Germany Prepares Fleet for Hormuz: Ships to Depart Early to Save Time 0 15

Two ships of the German Navy — a minesweeper and a command-support vessel — will be deployed to the Mediterranean Sea. Their further task, upon receiving a mandate from the Bundestag, will be to clear mines in the Strait of Hormuz. This information was announced by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius in an interview with the newspaper Die Rheinische Post on Friday, April 25.

Minister Pistorius emphasized: "Our fleet is very skilled at detecting and neutralizing mines. We would focus on these capabilities. We could engage in this to assist in ensuring free and safe navigation, as well as shipping in the Strait of Hormuz."

However, Pistorius clarified that a key condition for the deployment of the German Navy in this area is "first and foremost, the cessation of hostilities." He also added that the deployment of forces in Hormuz would require Germany to reduce operations in other regions, but "within reasonable limits and in coordination with partners."

The decision to send ships to the Mediterranean before receiving a mandate from the Bundestag was made to "save time." Minister Pistorius explained: "I did exactly the same when it came to launching the EU naval mission Aspides in the Red Sea. At that time, I decided to send the participating frigate to the Mediterranean in advance, before the EU decision and receiving the Bundestag mandate. This significantly accelerated the start of deployment."

In response to a question about the timeline for obtaining parliamentary approval, the minister expressed confidence. He noted that lawmakers had previously "demonstrated a very quick response in such matters."

Expansion of the Aspides Mission to the Strait of Hormuz: Pistorius's Opinion

Since February 2024, Germany, along with other European Union countries, has been actively participating in the Aspides mission. Its goal is to protect shipping from attacks by Iranian-backed Houthis from Yemen. Although the EU mandate also covers the Persian Gulf, ships from participating countries can currently operate exclusively in the Red Sea.

In light of these circumstances, Pistorius considers "a suitable and quite feasible option" to expand the powers of mission participants to the Strait of Hormuz. The minister added: "A UN mandate would certainly be better, but at this moment it is unlikely."

Blockade of the Strait of Hormuz: Consequences of the Conflict

Hostilities between the US, Israel, and Iran began on February 28 with bombings that resulted in the deaths of part of the Iranian leadership, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In response, Iran carried out strikes on American facilities in neighboring countries, effectively leading to a blockade of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. This strait is a critically important route through which about 20% of the world's oil volumes are transported.