Belgium Considers Deploying Minehunters to Strait of Hormuz

(MENAFN) Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot indicated on Monday that the country may consider sending its minehunters to the Strait of Hormuz once the situation stabilizes.

In remarks to local radio, as reported by a news agency, Prevot stated that Belgium is willing to assist in securing the strait as part of an international coalition. He added that Belgian minehunters could be deployed when conditions permit.

Prevot highlighted that French President Emmanuel Macron recently discussed the matter with Prime Minister Bart De Wever, and noted that Belgium could contribute to a 32-nation coalition with a “proportionate share.”

He emphasized that joining such a mission should not be interpreted as supporting the US-Israeli action in Iran, which Prevot described as having begun “outside international law.” He further noted the need to “manage” the situation due to its implications for European economies, warning that “one should not declare victory too soon” in response to claims from Washington about regime change in Iran.

Defense Minister Theo Francken also confirmed on US social media platform X that “Belgium will join the coalition of the willing to guarantee the free maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz.”

Francken explained that Belgium is collaborating with France and other partners toward this objective “once conditions in the region will allow for it, such as a ceasefire.”

He concluded by underlining that “freedom of navigation is essential for our security and economic stability.”

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