EU says more naval ships needed to secure Hormuz navigation after Iran war ends – Firstpost

The European Union on Thursday said additional naval deployments and a possible expansion of its existing maritime mission may be required to secure freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz once the Iran conflict ends.

Speaking after a meeting of EU foreign ministers, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the bloc’s current Red Sea naval mission, Operation Aspides, may need revised operational plans to address emerging security challenges in the strategic waterway.

The Strait of Hormuz, located at the southern entrance of the Persian Gulf, is one of the world’s most critical energy corridors and previously handled nearly one-fifth of global oil and gas shipments before the outbreak of the Iran war.

Operation Aspides, launched by the EU to protect commercial shipping in the Red Sea from attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, currently consists of three naval vessels.

Kallas indicated that future requirements could include specialised mine-clearing ships and enhanced maritime security capabilities.

“But it mostly needs more ships,” she said, adding that another vessel would soon join the Aspides operation, though she did not disclose further details.

The EU earlier extended the mission’s mandate until February 2027 and approved an additional €15 million in funding to support operations.

France and the United Kingdom are also considering establishing a separate naval escort mission to safeguard vessels transiting through the Strait of Hormuz after hostilities subside.

According to an EU official familiar with the discussions, the bloc is exploring whether Operation Aspides could eventually be merged with the proposed Franco-British force, although questions remain over command structure and operational authority.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said negotiations are still at an early stage.

Shipping costs have risen sharply since the Iran conflict began on February 28, driven largely by soaring insurance premiums and heightened security risks across key maritime routes.

EU officials warned that insurance and freight costs are unlikely to normalise quickly even after the fighting ends, saying that some shipping companies currently find it cheaper to reroute vessels around Africa rather than use the Red Sea corridor.

European policymakers are also reportedly considering state-backed guarantees for shipping companies in an effort to reduce insurance costs and stabilise trade flows through the region.

With inputs from agencies