Germany Ready to Help Clear Hormuz Mines

Germany is prepared to take part in mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz, but only after several conditions have been met, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said, according to the DPA news agency.

Wadephul stressed that Berlin first needs confirmation that hostilities have definitively ended and that both the United States and Iran agree to the clearance effort.

According to the foreign minister, any Bundeswehr deployment would also require a clear legal mandate under both international and German law, as well as approval from the German parliament.

“We are prepared for that. We are ready to do it,” Wadephul said.

Germany, together with France, Britain and Italy, has previously expressed its willingness to help restore safe navigation through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

The initiative follows a framework agreement between the United States and Iran that is intended to pave the way for an end to the conflict and the reopening of the key shipping route.

Wadephul also said that any final agreement must include credible guarantees regarding Iran’s nuclear programme. Without them, Europe would not be able to consider easing sanctions on Tehran.

(max)