Germany has signaled it is ready to deploy minesweepers to the Strait of Hormuz, but only as part of a potential international mission, Politico reports.

According to a German government official, the federal government is "prepared to make a German contribution to ensuring freedom of navigation." That could include "mine clearance or maritime reconnaissance."

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reiterated his government’s position on Thursday. He stressed that Germany is “fundamentally ready” to help secure shipping routes, but only under strict conditions.

Those include a stable ceasefire, a mandate within a system of collective security—"preferably" from the United Nations—and formal approval by both the federal government and the Bundestag. Merz underlined, however, that Berlin remains "far away" from such a decision.

The issue is expected to be discussed on Friday in Paris, where Merz is set to meet French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni.

France and the UK will hold an online conference with the participation of several dozen countries on the issue of overseeing of the Strait of Hormuz after the end of hostilities. The US, however, will not attend this meeting.