Germany has announced plans to join an international mine-clearing operation in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz once a peace agreement is reached between the United States and Iran. To prepare for the mission, the country will soon deploy a mine-clearing vessel, the Fulda, to the Mediterranean Sea. According to a spokesperson from Germany’s Defense Ministry, the ship will be deployed within the next few days.

The spokesperson stated that Germany aims to make a significant and visible contribution to the international coalition working to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The Fulda will be deployed with a crew of 45, but the operation in the strait will only begin after a lasting end to the conflict and approval from the lower house of the German parliament.

Turkey has previously expressed interest in joining the mine-clearing mission once hostilities cease. The coalition’s main objective is to secure the vital maritime route in the post-conflict period.