The European Union has said it is ready to contribute to restoring energy and trade flows from the Middle East, including potential reinforcement of naval operations aimed at keeping the Strait of Hormuz open once a ceasefire is established.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that the bloc could send additional warships to support maritime security in the region. She made the remarks following consultations with several European leaders, including those from France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom.
“Europe will play its part in restoring the free flow of energy and trade, once a ceasefire takes hold,” Kallas said, adding that the EU’s existing Aspides naval mission could be strengthened to expand protection for commercial shipping.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also described the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz as an urgent priority, saying the EU could reinforce Operation Aspides to support maritime stability.
The Aspides mission is currently operating in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, and Gulf of Oman, but does not formally cover the Strait of Hormuz. EU officials did not confirm whether its mandate would be expanded.
The discussions come amid reports that Iran has reopened the strait following a ceasefire agreement involving regional actors, allowing the resumption of oil and gas shipments through one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints.
US President Donald Trump confirmed the development on social media, stating that a broader ceasefire agreement was close and that Iran had agreed not to close the strait again.
Following the announcement, global oil prices fell sharply as markets reacted positively to expectations of improved regional stability and restored energy flows.
