BRUSSELS: The European Union has proposed that the bloc's Aspides naval mission take "the primary role" in clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz "when conditions allow" as part of a Franco-British-led initiative, according to a document seen by reporters. The European External Action Service wrote in a note dated May 26 and sent to member states that "the situation requires the Union to provide a meaningful contribution" to a coalition led by France and Britain "to be materialised once conditions allow and separated from the belligerents". Changing the Aspides mission's mandate would require unanimity, and it remains unclear if the EU’s 27 member countries would back such a change. The mission was established in 2024 to protect ships from attacks by Yemen’s Ansar Allah group in the Red Sea.
Around a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas supplies pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway that effectively closed after the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has "immense shared consequences for the region and Europe, with Iran selectively allowing passage," the EU's diplomatic arm wrote in its note. France and Britain have taken the lead in putting together a coalition of countries that could help ensure safe transit through the Strait once the situation there stabilises or the conflict is resolved. It is unclear if Iran has placed mines in the waterway.
The EU's diplomatic service said that a European contribution would serve "to showcase EU-wide ownership and responsibility in addressing a situation affecting all Member States" and "vis-a-vis Nato Allies". An Aspides role would also "allow all Member States to financially support, via the Operation’s common costs, those willing and able to contribute," it wrote. — Reuters
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