The European Union is considering a significant expansion of its naval operations to the Strait of Hormuz, according to internal documents cited in media reports. The proposal would extend the bloc’s existing mission, Operation Aspides, into the critical shipping lane off Iran’s coast. Under the plan, the EU would assume the primary role in conducting mine-clearing operations in the strait.
Operation Aspides was launched in February 2024 and currently patrols the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the northwest Indian Ocean. Its stated mission is to escort commercial vessels and protect shipping from attacks, particularly by Yemen’s Houthi militants. The proposed expansion would complement the efforts of a separate ad hoc coalition led by France and the United Kingdom.
The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial chokepoint for global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies. It has become a focal point of regional tensions following US and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February. Maritime traffic through the waterway has suffered heavy disruption, with Washington and Tehran accusing each other of violating a fragile ceasefire established in April.
This proposal marks a potential shift in the EU’s stance. Brussels had previously rejected a demand from former US President Donald Trump to help secure the strait. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated in the past that the bloc had “no appetite” to expand Operation Aspides, insisting “this is not Europe’s war.”
Trump had repeatedly criticized European NATO allies for not joining the conflict and hinted that the US could leave the military alliance. In response, the UK and France announced plans to launch a multinational mission to protect freedom of navigation when conditions permit. The US and Iran exchanged missile strikes again this week, further threatening the ceasefire.
The ongoing Middle East conflict has worsened an already critical energy situation for European states. These nations had drastically reduced their imports of Russian energy since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022. Gas markets have experienced significant volatility due to uncertainty surrounding shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Several EU officials have called for restoring energy ties with Russia to address the crisis.
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