Defence Minister Boris Pistorius announced plans to relocate German naval units to the Mediterranean Sea in preparation for a potential deployment in the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking to the “Rheinische Post” (Saturday edition), he stated, “We will move a mine-sweeping unit to the Mediterranean and assign it a command and support vessel”. Pistorius added that, “In order to support the Strait of Hormuz, we will temporarily and sensibly reduce our involvement elsewhere, coordinating this with our partners”.
The minister clarified that deploying troops to the region is contingent upon receiving a mandate from the German Bundestag. “In order to save time, we have decided to move a portion of the German units to the Mediterranean in advance, so that we do not lose any more time once the mandate is granted” the SPD politician said.
He compared this approach to when the EU naval mission Aspides was deployed in the Red Sea. “Back then, I decided to send the participating frigate to the Mediterranean already, in expectation of the EU decision and the Bundestag mandate. This significantly accelerated the start of the deployment” Pistorius recalled. He emphasized Germany’s capabilities: “Our navy is really good at detecting and clearing mines. This is what we would do. We could contribute to free and safe shipping and navigation in the Strait of Hormuz”.
Beyond the need for a Bundestag resolution, Pistorius outlined other conditions for a German naval deployment in the Strait of Hormuz. “A prerequisite for a German naval deployment in the Strait of Hormuz is, first of all, the end of combat operations” he stressed.
In considering an international mandate, Pistorius suggested an extension of the existing mandate for the EU mission Aspides. “That would be a suitable and conceivable option. A UN mandate would certainly be better, but is not likely at the moment” Pistorius stated.
He noted that the current EU mandate for the Aspides mission already covers the Persian Gulf geographically. However, he pointed out that the units are currently only authorized to repel threats to civilian shipping in the Red Sea and to use military means in doing so. “Therefore, the legal framework of Aspides would need to be adapted” the SPD politician explained. Furthermore, the UK, who also wish to participate, are not currently covered under this mandate, and the United States would also need to be included. Pistorius concluded by reiterating that the Bundestag would still have to rule on these matters.
