Germany moves its naval units towards the Mediterranean in anticipation of their deployment in Hormuz

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius unveiled plans to move German naval units toward the Mediterranean, in a pre-emptive move for possible later deployment in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Pistorius explained in statements to the "Rheinische Post" that the naval forces heading include a minesweeper, a command ship and supplies, without revealing the exact timing of the start of this military deployment. The German minister stressed the requirement of basic safeguards before Any future deployment, foremost of which is a sustainable ceasefire and a legal framework compatible with international law, as well as a mandate from the German Bundestag. For his part, German Chancellor Friedrich Meretz confirmed Berlin's readiness to engage in an international mission to ensure the security of the Strait of Hormuz, preferring to have effective American participation. The German moves come against the backdrop of repeated criticism from US President Donald Trump to the European partners of NATO, for not contributing to the protection of this vital sea lane. The Strait of Hormuz has been witnessing a paralysis in maritime traffic since the outbreak of war between Iran on the one hand and the United States and Israel on the other hand on February 28, which caused widespread disruption to global trade and a sharp rise in energy prices, while the reopening of the strait remains a major point of contention that hinders peace talks between Washington and Tehran.