Kaja Kallas, the European Union's foreign policy chief, has indicated that the EU's naval mission, currently operating under the name Aspides in the Red Sea, could be redirected to the Strait of Hormuz. This proposal aims to restore the flow of oil and gas tankers in the critical waterway amid rising security concerns. Kallas shared her thoughts with journalists in Brussels ahead of the EU's Foreign Affairs Council meeting, emphasizing the urgency of addressing security in this pivotal region.

The Aspides operation was initiated in 2024 following attacks on merchant vessels by Houthi rebels near Yemen. As threats to maritime navigation have escalated, EU Foreign Ministers are set to discuss the potential modification of the mission's mandate during their meeting. Kallas is advocating for the existing operation to be adapted slightly to meet the challenges in the Strait of Hormuz, which is vital for global oil shipments and maritime security.

Furthermore, Kallas noted that EU countries are considering not only the redirection of the Aspides operation but also the establishment of a so-called coalition of the will in the region, similar to what has been formed by countries supporting Ukraine. This coalition aims to construct a more robust framework for addressing security issues in the Strait of Hormuz and ensuring the safe passage of vessels through this strategically important maritime corridor.