The European Union's foreign policy chief has called for additional vessels to secure navigation through the Strait of Hormuz once the war in Iran ends. Kaja Kallas stated that the current EU naval mission in the Red Sea, Operation Aspides, would need to be expanded with more ships, including from European nations.
Operation Aspides, which means 'shield' in Greek, currently consists of three vessels protecting shipping from Houthi attacks in Yemen. The Strait of Hormuz, through which about a fifth of the world's oil and gas used to pass before the war, lies at the southern end of the Red Sea.
Kallas said after a meeting of EU foreign ministers that operational plans for Aspides may need to be amended, depending on additional requirements such as mine-clearing vessels. 'But it mostly needs more ships,' she added, noting that an extra vessel would join the operation, though she provided no further details.
The EU extended Aspides' mandate until February 2027 earlier this year, with an additional €15 million ($17.5 million) in funding. France and the UK are also considering their own naval force to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz after hostilities cease.
An EU official, speaking anonymously, said discussions were underway about possibly merging Operation Aspides with the Franco-British force, but details such as command authority remain unresolved. Shipping costs have risen since the war began on February 28, due to high insurance premiums, and the official said costs are unlikely to drop for at least another year after hostilities end. He noted that it is now cheaper for ships to travel around Africa than through the Red Sea, and officials are considering state guarantees to reduce insurance premiums.
