EU considers expanding Aspides naval mission to Strait of Hormuz

Ahmet Taş| Wise News Press

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM — European Union foreign ministers are meeting in Brussels on Monday to discuss extending the Aspides naval mission to the Strait of Hormuz, as the ongoing Iran war continues to drive up global energy prices.

The proposed expansion aims to secure one of the world's most critical oil transit routes following increased pressure from Washington on its European and Asian partners to protect international shipping amid escalating regional tensions.

Background of the Aspides mission

According to the Associated Press, the Aspides naval operation was initially launched by the EU in the Red Sea in February 2024 in response to Houthi attacks on international maritime transport.

With the recent surge in energy prices fueled by US and Israeli strikes on Iran, Washington has intensified its push for maritime security. Over the weekend, US President Donald Trump urged the UK, France, China, and Japan to deploy ships to the region to protect oil shipments. Approximately 20 percent of the world's oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz. In retaliation to the recent strikes, Tehran announced last week that it would close the waterway and has since attacked several vessels in the area.

Germany expresses skepticism

Despite the mounting pressure, the expansion faces hurdles within the bloc. Speaking to the German public broadcaster ARD, German Foreign Minister Johann WADEPHUL confirmed that a potential extension of Aspides is being discussed at the European level, but he ruled out Germany's participation.

Wadephul stated that he sees no urgent need for such an operation and urged the US and Israel to provide clarity regarding their objectives in the war against Iran. The minister's comments reflect broader European criticism that the US has not shared sufficient information regarding the conflict, its timeline, or its ultimate goals.

Economic impact and US stance

Meanwhile, US Secretary of Energy Chris WRIGHT announced on Sunday that the war against Iran would "probably" end within a few weeks. However, Washington's efforts to ease fears in the energy market have failed to prevent oil prices from surging past $100 per barrel, keeping concerns about inflation and weaker economic growth alive globally.

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