Italy Prepares Minesweeper Deployment in Hormuz Strait

Bangla Press Desk:  Italy is ready to deploy up to four vessels, including two minesweepers, as part of an ​international mission to clear the Strait of Hormuz, ‌the navy's chief of staff said.

European leaders met in Paris last week to discuss a multinational effort to protect shipping through the ​strait, which was largely closed during the US-Israel ​war against Iran.

About a fifth of the world's ⁠oil and liquefied natural gas normally passes through ​the Strait of Hormuz. More than a dozen countries, including ​Italy, have said they would join a mission to ensure safe passage once conditions allow.

"The contingency plan drawn up by the Chief ​of the Defence Staff envisages a group consisting ​of two minesweepers, an escort vessel and a logistics vessel," Navy Chief ‌of ⁠Staff Giuseppe Berutti Bergotto told state broadcaster RAI late on Wednesday.

"Obviously we are not acting alone. We are part of an international coalition, and other nations will ​also send minesweepers," ​he said, ⁠adding that Britain, France, Belgium and the Netherlands had mine-clearing capabilities.

Berutti Bergotto said the ​Italian ships would sail from the northwestern ​port ⁠of La Spezia and would take about four weeks to reach the area. Italy currently has eight minesweepers in ⁠service.

Defence Minister ​Guido Crosetto said last week ​that the government would seek parliamentary approval before authorising Italy's participation in ​the Hormuz mission.