European Union Ministers to Weigh Expanding Middle East Naval Operations

EU foreign ministers will meet Monday to discuss strengthening their naval mission protecting ships from Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. However, officials say they're unlikely to expand operations to the Strait of Hormuz, which has been largely blocked since U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran began in late February.

European Union foreign ministers are set to convene Monday in Brussels to consider strengthening their naval operations in Middle Eastern waters, though expansion into the critical Strait of Hormuz remains unlikely, according to diplomatic sources.

The EU launched its Aspides naval mission in 2024 to safeguard commercial vessels from attacks by Houthi rebels from Yemen targeting ships in the Red Sea. The operation currently operates with Italian and Greek vessels under direct command, plus French and additional Italian ships available for backup support.

Since late February, when American and Israeli forces began military operations against Iran on February 28, the Strait of Hormuz has become largely impassable. This development has prompted some European leaders to consider whether their naval mission might help restore safe passage through the Gulf waterway.

The strait serves as a crucial pathway for approximately 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, making Iran’s ability to block this route a significant concern for global economic stability.

However, diplomatic sources indicate Monday’s ministerial discussions will center on EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas’s proposal to increase the number of ships participating in the current mission.

“The conversation on Monday will be about trying to have more member states contribute further capacities,” said a senior EU official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul expressed doubt about expanding the mission’s scope during a Sunday interview. He argued that Aspides – which takes its name from the Greek term meaning “shields” – hasn’t proven successful in its existing responsibilities.

“That is why I am very sceptical that extending Aspides to the Strait of Hormuz would provide greater security,” he told Germany’s ARD television.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a Saturday appeal for international cooperation, urging China, France, Japan, South Korea, Britain and other nations affected by the oil supply disruptions to join efforts reopening the shipping routes.

French officials have been working to build a coalition focused on securing the strait once conditions stabilize, while British representatives are exploring various options with allied nations to ensure maritime shipping safety, according to official sources.

Diplomatic sources say it’s premature to determine whether the European Union might participate as a unified entity in such initiatives. Any modification to the Aspides mission’s mandate would require unanimous agreement from all 27 EU member nations.

“Protecting ships in the Strait of Hormuz in the current situation is a decision that won’t be taken lightly by ministers,” said an EU diplomat.