Adis Ahmetovic, the SPD spokesperson for foreign policy, stated that he is open to expanding the existing EU Mission “Aspides” to potentially involve a naval deployment in the Strait of Hormuz. Ahmetovic told the “Rheinische Post” that the situation in the Strait of Hormuz is tense and highly sensitive from a security perspective. He stressed that the absolute priority must be de-escalation, coupled with safeguarding international trade routes in compliance with international law.
While the European Mission Aspides currently provides a “valuable contribution to the protection of civil shipping” Ahmetovic emphasized that any necessary adjustments or expansion of the mission’s mandate must be “carefully examined” particularly given the risk of further escalation in the region.
According to the foreign politician, the SPD maintains that any possible move requires “close coordination” with both European and international partners, as well as a “well-founded assessment by the Federal Government”. If an “adjusted mandate is necessary” the German Bundestag must, naturally, be involved and decide on the matter.
He reiterated a core condition for any German involvement: a stable ceasefire in the area is the fundamental prerequisite for any further commitment by Germany. Without reliable de-escalation on the ground, he stated, then, that no expansion of German contributions is possible or permissible.
