Germany Deploys Minesweeper to Mediterranean for Hormuz Mission

Germany announced plans on Saturday to deploy a naval minesweeper to the Mediterranean as an initial step toward joining a potential international mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz, following the recent end of hostilities in the U.S.-Iran war. The German navy's vessel Fulda, equipped with a crew of about 45, is set to depart in the coming days to support efforts aimed at protecting freedom of navigation in the vital waterway.

The deployment comes amid ongoing international coordination to reopen the strait, a critical chokepoint through which approximately one-fifth of the world's oil shipments typically pass. Defense Ministry spokeswoman confirmed the move, stating it would make a "significant and visible contribution to an international coalition seeking to protect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz." Minesweepers like the Fulda are specialized vessels designed to detect and neutralize naval mines, which could pose risks to shipping once operations resume.

The conflict erupted on February 28, when U.S. and Israeli air strikes targeted Iranian sites, prompting Tehran to effectively close the strait. The closure disrupted global energy supplies, triggering sharp...