EU proposes Hormuz mine clearance

The European Union>>>'s diplomatic service has proposed that its Aspides naval mission take a primary role in clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz>>>. This initiative is intended as Europe's contribution to an ad hoc coalition led by France>>> and the United Kingdom>>> to secure the vital waterway. The Strait of Hormuz>>> is crucial for global energy supplies, with approximately one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas transiting through it. The de facto closure and potential mining of the strait by Iran>>> have had immense consequences for the region and Europe. While France>>> and the United Kingdom>>> have already launched an international coalition of over 40 states to help secure the strait, changing the Aspides mission's mandate would require unanimous approval from all 27 EU member countries. The Aspides mission, based in Greece>>>, was initially established in February 2024 to protect commercial shipping from Houthis>>> attacks in the Red Sea>>>. EU foreign affairs minister Kaja Kallas>>> has stated that expanding Aspides' activities to the strait only requires a change of operational plan.