The European Union's foreign policy chief stated on Thursday that ensuring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz following the conclusion of the Iran war will necessitate additional ships, including more vessels from Europe, and an expansion of the existing EU naval mission.
Aspides Mission Expansion
The EU mission in the Red Sea, known as Aspides—derived from the Greek word for 'shield'—currently consists of three vessels protecting shipping from attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Strait of Hormuz, which before the war handled approximately one-fifth of the world's oil and gas traffic, lies at the southern end of the Red Sea.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, after a meeting of the bloc's foreign ministers, indicated that operational plans for Aspides may need adjustments based on additional requirements, such as specialized vessels for mine clearance in the strait. 'But it mostly needs more ships,' she remarked, adding that an extra vessel will join the Aspides operation, though she provided no further details.
Funding and Coordination
The EU earlier this year extended Aspides' mandate until the end of February 2027, allocating an additional 15 million euros ($17.5 million) in funding. France and the United Kingdom are also considering establishing their own naval force to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz once hostilities cease. An EU official, speaking on condition of anonymity due to lack of authorization to discuss negotiations publicly, said the bloc is exploring the possibility of merging Operation Aspides with the Franco-British force. However, many details remain to be resolved, including under whose authority a joint force would operate.
Economic Impact
Shipping costs have risen since the Iran war began on February 28, driven by high insurance premiums. The EU official noted that costs are unlikely to decrease for at least a year after the end of hostilities, observing that it is now cheaper for ships to travel around Africa than to transit the Red Sea. Officials are considering offering state guarantees to shipping companies to help reduce insurance premiums.
Associated Press writer Sam McNeil in Brussels contributed to this report.
