Adis Ahmetovic, the SPD parliamentary group’s spokesman for foreign policy, has publicly indicated support for expanding the current EU “Aspides” mission to facilitate a potential naval deployment in the Strait of Hormuz. According to Ahmetovic speaking to the “Rheinische Post”, he stressed that “the situation in the Strait of Hormuz is tense and highly sensitive from a security perspective”. He stated that the primary priorities must be de-escalation and ensuring international trade routes remain secure in compliance with international law.
While the European Mission Aspides is already making an “important contribution to the protection of civilian shipping” Ahmetovic noted that whether adjustments or an expansion of the mandate is necessary would require “careful examination” particularly given the risks of further escalation in the region.
The SPD’s stance is clear: any action must be preceded by “close coordination” with European and international partners, and must undergo a “thorough assessment by the Federal Government” the foreign policy spokesman asserted. Moreover, he insisted that if an “adjusted mandate is required” the German Bundestag must be provided with timely involvement and must make the ultimate decision.
Ahmetovic emphasized that a crucial prerequisite for any further German involvement is achieving a stable cessation of hostilities in the region. He concluded by stating that without local and reliable de-escalation, Germany neither can nor should extend its contributions.