Foreign ministers of the EU gathering in Brussels will discuss the possibility of extending the bloc's naval mission Aspides to the Strait of Hormuz, as the conflict in Iran drives global energy prices higher.
During the weekend, US President Trump urged multiple nations to dispatch vessels to ensure the passage's safety.
Foreign ministers of the European Union will meet in Brussels to talk about extending the bloc's naval operation Aspides to the Strait of Hormuz.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul acknowledged that the matter is under discussion, yet expressed doubt regarding the operation and Germany's involvement.
Aspides is an EU naval mission initiated in the Red Sea due to Houthi assaults on global shipping in February 2024.
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Increasing pressure from Washington is being placed on European and Asian allies to assist in securing the vital oil transit route, following a rise in energy prices after US-Israeli attacks on Iran. During the weekend, US President Donald Trump called on the United Kingdom, France, China, and Japan to send ships to the region to safeguard oil deliveries.
Approximately 20 percent of global oil transits through the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran declared last week its intention to close the waterway in response to the attacks, and has subsequently targeted multiple ships in the region.
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In an interview with German public broadcaster ARD on Sunday, Wadephul stated that the potential extension of Aspides is being discussed at the European level, but he excluded German involvement.
He stated that he did not perceive an urgent necessity for such an action and urged the United States and Israel to clarify their goals in the conflict with Iran.
His remarks reflect the concerns of Europeans who contend that the US has not provided sufficient information regarding the war, its timeline, or objectives.
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US Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated on Sunday that the conflict with Iran would “probably” conclude in a few weeks. Washington's attempts to ease concerns in the energy sector have failed to prevent oil prices from rising over $100 a barrel, raising alarms about inflation and slower growth.