MOSCOW, April 22: Germany plans to deploy three vessels to participate in an international mission to secure shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, Der Spiegel magazine reported, citing members of the German National Security Council.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz chaired a meeting of the council, where a number of important political and economic issues were discussed, including the situation in the Middle East, the report said on Tuesday.
The council is expected to deploy two minesweepers and one supply vessel to participate in the mission, the report read, adding that an international mandate, preferably from the UN Security Council, is a key prerequisite for Germany’s participation in the mission.
In addition, Germany has proposed deploying a small reconnaissance aircraft currently stationed in Djibouti as part of the Aspides mission, the report noted.
On April 1, US President Donald Trump said that he was strongly considering withdrawing the US from NATO after the allies refused to join the US-Israeli war on Iran. He said he no longer saw Europe as a reliable defense partner after the Europeans rejected his call to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz.
(UNI)
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