Germany Deploys Ships to Strait of Hormuz

Germany is deploying two naval vessels to the Red Sea as part of preparations for a possible international operation in the Strait of Hormuz. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius made the announcement following a US-Iran agreement to end the conflict, which had disrupted energy supplies and maritime transport.

The minesweeper Fulda and the supply ship Mosel are heading to the region. Germany is also preparing to deploy underwater drones, specialist mine-clearance divers and vessel protection teams.

Representatives of the shipping industry and insurance companies have noted that restoring safe navigation will require surveying and clearing maritime routes of mines. Experts say a return to normal shipping operations could take several more weeks.

Pistorius stressed that any such operation would require the consent of Iran and Oman and would depend on further developments in negotiations between Tehran and Washington.

France and Britain support the creation of a multinational naval mission. Diplomats note, however, that Iran rejects a permanent foreign military presence in the Strait of Hormuz. Greece has declared its readiness to participate in mine-clearing operations but has not yet made a specific commitment.

(Reuters, Lud)