Foreign ministers of the European Union are set to discuss strengthening their naval presence in the Middle East as tensions rise during the ongoing conflict involving Iran. The talks will focus on reinforcing the EU’s maritime security mission, known as Operation Aspides, which was launched in 2024 to protect commercial vessels from attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement in the Red Sea.
Currently, the mission operates with an Italian and a Greek naval ship under its direct command, with additional support available from French and Italian vessels. EU officials are now encouraging more member states to contribute ships and other resources to strengthen the operation.
The discussions come as the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz remains largely disrupted following military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28. The narrow waterway is a crucial route for global energy supplies, carrying roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.
Some European officials have suggested the EU mission could eventually help restore freedom of navigation in the Gulf. However, there is growing skepticism about expanding the mission’s role to the Strait of Hormuz, with concerns about effectiveness and the risks of escalating tensions.
Any decision to expand the mandate of Operation Aspides would require unanimous approval from all 27 EU member states, making immediate changes unlikely. For now, ministers are expected to concentrate on increasing naval capabilities to safeguard commercial shipping in the region.