Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
According to the German Defense Minister, the deployment is proactive and precautionary.
The deal between the US and Iran has been signed, and even though the ink is barely dry, nations are now preparing to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Reuters, two German naval vessels are currently travelling to the Red Sea in preparation for a possible mission in the Strait.
According to UNITED24 Media, the two vessels are the minesweeper Fulda and the supply ship Mosel.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced the deployment ahead of a NATO meeting in Brussels, framing it as a proactive step.
“Units are being repositioned in advance for a possible mission in the Strait of Hormuz. This is a proactive and precautionary measure. We want to be ready to act quickly and deploy rapidly in the Strait of Hormuz if such a need arises,” Pistorius said according to Reuters.
Seeking local consent
The ships are heading to Djibouti under an existing EU mandate, but entering the Strait of Hormuz requires specific legal agreements and local cooperation.
“For the Strait of Hormuz, we need a clear international legal framework. We need a conducive environment, meaning above all consent from Iran and Oman for relevant demining activities. A lot now depends on how negotiations between Iran and the United States progress over the next 60 days,” the German defense minister noted.
Despite these hurdles, Berlin remains optimistic and stands prepared to help. “We are ready in any case. If it comes to that, we are ready,” Pistorius stressed.
A strategic trade
This shift coincides with intense bargaining. The White House will back European interests in Ukraine if European nations send naval aid to the vital Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump signed a memorandum of understanding with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during a G7 dinner at Versailles. Susie Wiles praised the breakthrough.
“The G7 was a huge success and an opportunity to make sure the members and other participates see ‘America First’ in action. The trip was capped off with a beautiful dinner and birthday celebration for President Trump at Versailles […] Nobody works harder. President Trump signed the MOU with Iranians while he was at dinner,” she said.
At the same time, Germany is boosting Ukraine’s air defenses. Berlin will provide $200 million for Patriot missiles and another $200 million via a US weapons mechanism.
