Foreign minister: Belgium willing to contribute to demining Strait of Hormuz

Within the framework of a ceasefire and an international approach, Belgium wants to contribute to the restoration of free shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, including through its expertise in the field of mine clearance. This was stated by Foreign minister Maxime Prévot on Thursday following consultations between more than forty countries regarding the closure of the crucial strait.

Representatives of the countries involved discussed via a video conference how they could contribute to the restoration of international shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. In retaliation for the US-Israeli attacks, Iran closed the strait almost completely, jeopardising the global energy supply and causing prices to spike. In normal times, 20 per cent of international oil and gas shipments pass through it.

“We discussed the need to mobilise the necessary political and diplomatic levers, including economic sanctions, to reopen the Strait, and to ensure the freedom of navigation within a defensive framework, contingent on a durable ceasefire and a clear international approach,” Prévot stated on X.

Belgium wishes to support “safe, lawful, and unimpeded navigation” in the Strait, “in full respect of peace, international law, and long-term regional stability”, the minister emphasised. “Belgium stands ready to contribute, including through our renowned expertise in demining.”

Many countries emphasised that a military mission can only be considered once a solid ceasefire has been achieved. One option is to first clear the strait of mines and then escort ships. Military planners are due to hold further consultations next week.

The international initiative was launched in mid-March by the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Japan. The group has since grown to include more than forty countries, including, alongside Belgium, India, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates and Nigeria.

^{Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Prevot © BELGA PHOTO MARIUS BURGELMAN}