EU ministers decline naval action plan in the Strait of Hormuz

The European Union (EU) has “no appetite” to deploy its forces in the Middle East to help restore vessel traffic through the vital Strait of Hormuz, currently blocked by Iranian forces.

IMAGE: Italian frigate Luigi Rizzo providing support to merchant vessels transiting the Red Sea. EUNAVFOR ASPIDES via X

EU foreign ministers met in Brussels yesterday to discuss “whether it is possible to really change the mandate” of the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) maritime mission, Aspides.

However, the council has shown “no appetite” to expand the EU naval mission to the Strait of Hormuz for the time being, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said after the meeting.

The EU’s Aspides mission was deployed in 2024 to protect and defend cargo vessels from ​attacks by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi militant group in the Red ​Sea.

“While the Strait of Hormuz is at the centre stage, the Red Sea also remains critical. The risk that Houthis get involved is real, so we must remain vigilant,” the EU’s top diplomat said.

The remarks come amid rising oil prices and constrained fuel supplies following the closure of the vital energy chokepoint, which has pushed up energy costs for households and businesses worldwide.

The strait handles about 25% of global seaborne oil trade daily. Keeping it closed for a prolonged period will only result in higher oil prices, according to market analysts.

Kallas said she had talks with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on how to keep the Strait of Hormuz open.

“The closure of Strait of Hormuz is really dangerous for the oil supplies,” Kallas said earlier. “Restarting the shipments of fertilisers, food and energy through the Strait of Hormuz is another urgent priority,” she added.

The EU’s decision to not escalate military action in the region comes shortly after US President Donald Trump urged the countries receiving oil through the strait to “take care of that passage.”

By Aparupa Mazumder

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