European Union foreign ministers are set to discuss strengthening the bloc's naval mission in the Middle East, known as Aspides, which was created in 2024 to protect commercial vessels in the Red Sea from attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels. While some officials have raised the possibility of expanding its role to the Strait of Hormuz, no decision on such a move is expected at the upcoming meeting in Brussels.

The recent closure of the Strait of Hormuz, following attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel, has heightened concerns about global energy supplies, as the waterway handles a significant share of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. However, discussions are likely to focus on increasing member state contributions to the existing mission rather than broadening its mandate.

Several officials have expressed caution about extending operations into the Gulf, noting both operational limitations and political sensitivities. Any expansion of the mission would require unanimous approval from all 27 member countries, and diplomats say ministers will approach the issue carefully given the escalating regional tensions.