Germany Ready to Secure Strait of Hormuz After Ceasefire

JAKARTA - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has confirmed that Germany is ready to contribute militarily to securing the Strait of Hormuz after a ceasefire between the US and Iran.

Speaking at a press conference with Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin after their meeting in Berlin, Merz reiterated support for diplomatic initiatives to maintain a ceasefire and continue negotiations.

"We agree that there will be no lasting peace in the region without a diplomatic solution. This requires a decent and strong agreement. In this context, it must be clear that Iran's military nuclear program must be stopped. Iran must not acquire a nuclear bomb," he said as quoted by ANTARA from Anadolu, Friday, April 17.

Asked about a meeting on Friday (17/4) in Paris, which will be co-hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Merz said Germany was ready to contribute to securing the Strait of Hormuz, provided that legal and political conditions were met.

"In principle, we are ready to participate in securing the transit route. This requires a cessation of hostilities. At least, a temporary ceasefire is needed," he told reporters.

He added that any German military involvement would require an international legal mandate, preferably from the UN. After that, Germany would need to approve the mission, followed by a vote in parliament.

"We are still a long way from that," Merz said.

He declined to comment on media reports that the German navy was preparing minesweeping vessels for a possible deployment, saying details of a possible mission and Germany's potential contribution would be discussed at a meeting in Paris.