On Friday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said his country was prepared to supply mine clearance and maritime reconnaissance to help secure the Strait of Hormuz .

"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. His announcement followed consultations with fellow European leaders on a potential multinational mission to secure the strait after the war.

The same day, Iran's top diplomat Abbas Araghchi declared the critical waterway "completely open" for the duration of the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire, and US President Donald Trump likewise said it was "ready for full passage." The following day, Iran reversed its decision, shutting the strait again .

Either way, maritime traffic might still be at risk, given that Iranian authorities had previously indicated there may be underwater mines in the strait.…