EU Proposes Naval Mission to Address Mine Threats in Strait of Hormuz
The European Union has proposed that its Aspides naval mission take a primary role in clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz, as part of a Franco-British-led initiative. This proposal comes amid heightened tensions in the region, following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, which have led to the de facto closure of the Strait. The EU's diplomatic service emphasizes the need for a meaningful contribution from all member states to support this coalition, once conditions allow. The Aspides mission, originally established to protect ships from attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebel group, would require unanimous support from the EU's 27 member countries to change its mandate. 
