Adedokun Waliyu 
Germany will soon send a minesweeper to the Mediterranean for a possible mission in the Strait of Hormuz after the end of the US-Iran war, a defence ministry spokeswoman said.
Several countries have indicated readiness to take part in a “neutral” mission to secure the waterway, which the United States said it was already working to de-mine alongside Iran, although this has not been confirmed by Iran.
The German navy vessel “Fulda” is expected to be deployed in the coming days. The aim is to make a significant and visible contribution to an international coalition seeking to protect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Minesweepers are specialised naval vessels designed to detect and neutralise underwater mines. The ship will operate with a crew of about 45 personnel. However, any actual deployment to the Strait will depend on a lasting end to hostilities and approval from Germany’s parliament.
The conflict in Iran began on February 28 with air strikes carried out by the United States and Israel.
In response, Iran effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes, leading to increased energy prices worldwide.
There are indications that new negotiations between the United States and Iran aimed at ending the war could take place in Islamabad, where both sides have sent representatives for possible talks.
