Brussels – European Union foreign ministers convened in Brussels on Monday to debate a response to escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, following calls from U.S. President Donald Trump for allies to assist in securing the vital waterway. The meeting occurred as the war between Iran, Israel, and the United States entered its third week, driving up global energy prices and disrupting supply chains.
Trump, in a social media post on Saturday, stated that “many Countries” would be sending warships to the region “in conjunction with the United States of America” to ensure safe passage through the Strait. He specifically named China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom as potential contributors to a maritime security effort, suggesting a degradation of Iran’s offensive capabilities would be a prerequisite for such a deployment.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas acknowledged the discussions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, stating, “It is in our interest to preserve the Strait of Hormuz open, and that’s why we are similarly discussing what we can do in this regard from the European side.” Kallas indicated two potential avenues for EU involvement: expanding the existing Operation Aspides naval mission, currently focused on the Red Sea, into the Persian Gulf, or forming a new “coalition of the willing” comprised of member states willing to contribute military assets.
Operation Aspides was established in February 2024 to address attacks by Iran-aligned Houthi forces on international shipping. Its current mandate focuses on protecting vessels and safeguarding freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, and the Persian Gulf, according to the Council of the European Union.
However, a unified European response remains uncertain. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul emphasized the need for greater clarity regarding the objectives and timeline of U.S. And Israeli military operations in Iran. “We need more clarity here,” Wadephul told reporters. “We expect from the US and Israel to inform us, to include us into what they’re doing there and to tell us if these goals are achieved.”
Luxembourg Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel underscored the EU’s current lack of direct involvement, stating, “The fact is, for the moment, the EU is not directly part of the situation. So we need to decide if we are going to be part or not. That’s an critical decision.”
France has signaled a willingness to consider participation in a potential international mission to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz, but only “when the circumstances permit,” according to French officials, implying a prerequisite of reduced conflict intensity. The war in Iran, which began with airstrikes by Israel and the U.S. On February 28, has already driven Brent crude oil prices up by more than 40 percent and disrupted global supply chains beyond energy, impacting sectors such as pharmaceuticals and semiconductors.
The EU’s deliberations come as cargo ships remain stuck in the Gulf or are forced to take lengthy detours around Africa, and air cargo operations out of the Middle East have been grounded. The situation continues to fuel concerns about the broader economic impact of the conflict.
