Germany Readies Minehunter for Hormuz Mission

Germany has deployed the naval minehunter Fulda to the Mediterranean Sea to prepare for potential mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz once the United States-Iran conflict concludes. Setting sail from the Kiel-Wiek naval base, the vessel carries forty specialized personnel equipped with advanced sonar systems and remotely operated underwater drones. The ship will initially join NATO naval operations in the Mediterranean to remain on standby and avoid preparation delays if called upon. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stressed that any deployment to the Middle East strictly requires a complete cessation of hostilities and formal authorization from the German Parliament. If approved for the post-war mission, the Fulda will be fully supported by an air defense frigate, a supply ship, and a maritime surveillance aircraft to secure the critical waterway.