Germany to deploy naval units to the Mediterranean ahead of potential Strait of Hormuz mission

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius on Saturday announced the deployment of German naval units to the Mediterranean in preparation for a possible mission in the Strait of Hormuz.

Specifically, a minesweeper and a command and supply ship are to be sent. The goal is to be ready to act quickly in the event of a mandate from the parliament, Pistorius told the Rheinische Post newspaper.

The minister did not specify exactly when the ships are scheduled to depart.

Pistorius added that expanding the existing EU mission “Aspides,” whose mandate has so far been limited to countering threats in the Red Sea, could be used as a legal framework.

This would require an adjustment to the legal framework and would also necessitate the participation of the United States and the United Kingdom in the mission.

The German Navy would then contribute to free and safe navigation in the strait with its mine-clearing capabilities, according to the minister.

Since the war initiated by the US and Israel against Iran began Feb. 28, Tehran has maintained control of the Strait of Hormuz, followed by an American naval blockade on April 13.