Belgian minesweeper also to Strait of Hormuz? “Chances are very good” according to Francken | News

According to Defense Minister Theo Francken (N-VA), it is “not yet entirely clear” whether Belgium will deploy a minesweeper in the Strait of Hormuz. He said this in ‘De Ochtend’ on Radio 1. “But I think the chance is very high.”

According to Francken, there is a ‘coalition of the willing’, a group of countries led by France and the United Kingdom, that has made plans and positioned ships in the eastern Mediterranean and near Djibouti, to be close to the Strait of Hormuz or the Strait of Oman if they are needed there. “We did that too,” he says. “Our Primula has arrived in the eastern Mediterranean, together with a Dutch demining ship. It is awaiting further orders.”

The Primula is now part of a NATO operation. “We could sail it through the Suez Canal and then with the French and the British to Djibouti, Oman and Hormuz,” he continues.

Whether that happens depends on a decision by the government. “Saturday is the main event,” said Francken. “This will also be discussed there. If the light is green, a staff officer will be sent to the United Kingdom to plan it. It also depends on the agreements that the US and Iran have made, because their memorandum also states that Iran will clear mines and sunken ships itself. Oman, on the other hand, is asking for help. A lot still needs to become clear.”

He emphasizes that the decision in principle to participate in the demining of the Strait of Hormuz has already been taken by the government. “But now we have to look at what the concrete context is. Those questions will be answered in the coming days, but I think there is a good chance that we will do this,” he says.

Will our troops be in danger? “There is no such thing as zero risk,” says Francken. “But we are going to try to limit the risk as much as possible. In addition to our minesweeper, we will also be carrying frigates and destroyers, which can protect other ships against potential dangers. We are not going to send a minesweeper out alone. That would be irresponsible. We are not going to do that.”