Mines in the Strait of Hormuz: How dangerous are they?

"We could provide mine-clearance vessels we are good at that, Merz said, adding that a sound legal basis would be needed for such an intervention."

"We aren't even certain that there are mines [in the Strait of Hormuz], said Johannes Peters, an expert on undersea warfare at the Kiel University's Institute for Security Policy."

"But the underlying threat is enough [to deter passage]. For now, nobody in the war zone can actually go and check."

Germany is prepared to supply mine clearance and maritime reconnaissance to secure the Strait of Hormuz, contingent on a legal basis for intervention. This announcement followed discussions with European leaders about a multinational mission. Iran initially declared the strait open during a ceasefire but later reversed this decision, raising concerns about maritime traffic safety. Experts express uncertainty about the presence of mines in the strait, noting that the perceived threat may deter passage despite a lack of verification.

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