German FM Wadephul: Iran should pay for Strait of Hormuz mine-clearing

Wadephul's demand

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) has proposed that Iran should bear the financial cost of a European mine-clearing operation in the Strait of Hormuz. In an interview with the Handelsblatt, he said:

Iran has illegally mined an international sea lane.

While Germany would not initially charge fees for clearing the shipping lane by European states, Wadephul argued that in principle it would be justified, as the damage was caused by the Iranian regime. A decision on whether the Bundeswehr will participate in the mission is expected later this summer.

Mine-clearing preparations

The Strait of Hormuz normally carries about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied gas trade. The mere fear of mines is enough to paralyze shipping, making a clearance operation urgent. European states have already begun preparations. Germany has dispatched the mine-hunting boat "Fulda" and the supply ship "Mosel" to the region. However, several conditions must be met before a mission can proceed: a permanent ceasefire agreement, consent from the coastal states Iran and Oman, and approval by the German Bundestag.

NATO summit and Ukraine

The Gulf conflict is set to be a central topic at the NATO summit starting Tuesday in Ankara. Wadephul criticized the annual rhythm of such summits, saying they make leaders inflexible.

Compared to earlier generations of politicians, this makes us so inflexible that one has to think about whether all summits are needed at this frequency.

He added he was open to scheduling meetings based on whether there is something serious to discuss. On Ukraine, Wadephul called for continued support and said Russia must recognize that negotiations are without alternative. US President Donald Trump is expected to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the summit.

Iran's leadership transition

Meanwhile, Iran is holding public funeral rites for former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. On Monday, his body was carried in a procession through Tehran, with airspace over the capital closed for security. The burial is scheduled for Thursday in Mashhad. Khamenei's son Mojtaba was appointed as the new head of state a week after his father's death in early March, but has not appeared publicly since, fueling speculation about his health. Iranian media report that he is not expected to lead prayers at the burial.

1. Jul 6, 2026Public funeral procession for former Supreme Leader Khamenei in Tehran
2. Jul 7, 2026NATO summit begins in Ankara, with Gulf conflict and Ukraine on agenda
3. Jul 9, 2026Khamenei's burial in Mashhad
4. Summer 2026German government to decide on Bundeswehr participation in mine-clearing mission