Johann Wadephul (CDU) has expressed caution about a possible Bundeswehr deployment for mine clearance in the Strait of Hormuz. In an interview with ZDF’s heute-journal, he stressed that the legal basis must first be clarified – both under international law and German law. In addition, both Iran and the US would have to agree to the operation. “We first need to know: Is it really clear that there are no hostilities? Is it really clear that both sides want others to clear the mines? Once we know that, we can talk about it,” Wadephul said.
Germany, France, Britain and Italy had previously declared in a joint statement by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Giorgia Meloni that they were ready to support the resumption of shipping in the strait. The mission is to be purely defensive, encouraging merchant shipping and clearing mines. French President Macron pledged at the G7 meeting to send fighter jets to secure and monitor the strait.
The mine clearance is linked to the framework agreement between the US and Iran, which is to be signed in Switzerland on Friday. It provides for an extension of the ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. US Vice President JD Vance described the document as short and “very general.” Wadephul stressed that a relaxation of European sanctions would only be possible if Iran is not nuclear-armed.
EuroPulse reported on June 11, 2026, on Wadephul’s stance on sanctions against Israel: Wadephul: No Reason for Sanctions Israel.
Source: www.zeit.de
