Latvia plans to send military personnel to clear mines in the Strait of Hormuz
Latvia may send up to 20 military personnel to participate in a multinational mine-clearing operation in the Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, the country will not take part in military operations on the side of the United States in the conflict with Iran.
According to the document, Latvia plans to deploy a naval unit equipped with autonomous mine-clearing systems to search for and neutralize underwater explosive ordnance.
The unit will operate as part of an international diving team tasked with clearing mines from the Strait of Hormuz.
In addition, the mission plans to include staff officers and instructors from the Latvian National Armed Forces, who will serve in the operation’s headquarters both within the territories of the participating states and directly in the mission area.
The Ministry of Defense emphasizes that the Latvian contingent will participate exclusively in mine-clearing operations and the coordination of efforts aimed at ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
At the same time, Latvia will not carry out tasks that could be interpreted as support for the United States as a belligerent in the conflict with Iran.
According to estimates by the countries leading the mission, the complete clearance of the Strait of Hormuz could take between 12 and 16 months.
Taking into account personnel rotations and the operational situation, the Latvian Parliament plans to approve the National Armed Forces’ participation in the mission until September 1, 2028.
This was reported by LSM, citing a draft Saeima resolution prepared by the Latvian Ministry of Defense.
The U.S., Iran, and Oman are close to reaching an interim agreement on reopening the Strait of Hormuz. According to Axios, Washington may announce the agreement as early as August 5, provided the final stages of negotiations are completed.
Iran may, for the first time, allow European countries to participate in clearing mines from the Strait of Hormuz. According to Bloomberg, Tehran is considering such a move as part of potential agreements to restore safe navigation, which could also influence Iran’s negotiations with the U.S.
