The European Union is considering redirecting its Red Sea naval mission to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz after the waterway was effectively closed following US and Israeli strikes on Iran. The proposal, backed by the EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, would modify the mandate of the bloc’s existing maritime security Operation Aspides. EU foreign ministers are set to discuss whether the mission can be repurposed to secure the strategic chokepoint, through which about a fifth of global oil supplies pass. The disruption has pushed energy prices higher, raising fears in Europe of renewed inflation and economic slowdown. Meanwhile, Donald Trump has urged other countries to help safeguard the route, arguing that many nations reliant on Gulf energy should share the burden. Meanwhile, the Netherlands and Lithuania said direct involvement in the Strait of Hormuz should not be ruled out.
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The European Union is considering redirecting its Red Sea naval mission to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz after the waterway was effectively closed following US and Israeli strikes on Iran. The proposal, backed by the EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, would modify the mandate of the bloc’s existing maritime security Operation Aspides. EU foreign ministers are set to discuss whether the mission can be repurposed to secure the strategic chokepoint, through which about a fifth of global oil supplies pass. The disruption has pushed energy prices higher, raising fears in Europe of renewed inflation and economic slowdown. Meanwhile, Donald Trump has urged other countries to help safeguard the route, arguing that many nations reliant on Gulf energy should share the burden. Meanwhile, the Netherlands and Lithuania said direct involvement in the Strait of Hormuz should not be ruled out.