French Minister: Netherlands Could Help Clear Sea Mines

French Defense Minister Says Netherlands Could Assist in Hormuz Mine Clearance PARIS – French Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin said on Friday that several European countries, including the Netherlands and Belgium, could help clear sea mines and escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking to French television network TF1, Vautrin confirmed that a coordination meeting was underway in Paris, co-organized by France and the United Kingdom, with around 40 nations expected to participate—most via telephone—to discuss plans for restoring safe passage once hostilities in the region subside. The proposed escort operations are intended as defensive security measures to ensure maritime safety. Currently, shipping traffic through the strait remains partially disrupted due to actions by both Iran and the United States. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital global chokepoint for oil transportation, which explains the heightened international concern over its security. Any prolonged disruption could significantly impact world energy markets and trade flows. Vautrin emphasized that mine clearance and naval escort efforts would only proceed after active fighting ends, underscoring the preventive nature of the proposed mission. The initiative reflects broader European interest in contributing to regional stability without direct military engagement in the conflict.