Germany Seeks Clarity on British Naval Mission in Strait of Hormuz

Denmark likes idea, still unsure on committing ships

Germany’s Foreign Minister Heiko Maas says that Germany has yet to decide if they will participating in the EU-led naval mission in the Strait of Hormuz, as proposed by Britain, saying clarification is needed before making such a decision.

German officials ad previously expressed broad support for the British proposal, and were one of a handful of EU nations that had suggested they might commit ships to the program. Germany was once a substantial naval power, but at present has a relatively small number of frigates which might be sent as escorts.

Denmark has confirmed that they “welcome” the British proposal, although so far that’s as far as tha goes. Officials say they are still considering whether or not to contribute any ships to the scheme.

That puts them in the same position as Italy and France, which both expressed some interest in the idea but similarly have committed no ships. Britain has said they intend to escort their own ships.

Author: Jason Ditz

Jason Ditz is Senior Editor for Antiwar.com. He has 20 years of experience in foreign policy research and his work has appeared in The American Conservative, Responsible Statecraft, Forbes, Toronto Star, Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Providence Journal, Washington Times, and the Detroit Free Press.