Germany is already conducting concrete planning for a possible naval deployment in the Strait of Hormuz, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said on Sunday, amid rising tensions in the region.
“We are planning it. We are gaming it out — also with regard to possible partners and how such an operation could be structured,” Pistorius told public broadcaster ARD. He added he would not be doing his job properly if such preparations were not already under way.
He stressed, however, that planning was still at an early stage. Preconditions for any deployment would include a sustained ceasefire, a legal framework under international law and a mandate from Germany’s Bundestag, the lower house of parliament, he said, adding: “We are still far from that.”
Pistorius pointed to Germany’s naval capabilities in mine clearance, saying the country traditionally plays a leading role within NATO in this area.
Pistorius said Germany’s involvement would not be about symbolism or sending political signals, but about safeguarding freedom of navigation in the region. “We have always said this is not our war, but we are affected by its consequences,” he said.
The minister acknowledged that a potential mission would require the navy to reprioritize other tasks, noting: “We can only deploy our equipment once.” He described the situation in the Strait of Hormuz as currently unpredictable, with more than 20 reported attacks on merchant vessels.
Pistorius also said he could not imagine securing the waterway without US involvement, arguing Washington had the best situational awareness in the region. He also said it would be “militarily unwise and politically the wrong signal” not to involve the US.
Source: dpa
