European Union foreign ministers have decided not to expand the EU’s naval mission in the Middle East to cover the Strait of Hormuz, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Monday. The decision comes amid heightened regional tensions following Iranian attacks on shipping that disrupted tanker traffic transporting roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas.

The EU’s Aspides mission, launched in 2024, was originally designed to protect vessels from threats posed by Yemen’s Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. The mission currently operates with Italian and Greek ships under direct command and can request support from a French vessel and an additional Italian vessel.

Kallas told reporters that while there was agreement on the need to strengthen the operation, ministers showed “no appetite” to formally expand the mandate to the Strait of Hormuz at this time. “The discussion was that it should be strengthened, because it doesn’t have too many naval assets. It should have more,” she said.

She emphasized that although the Strait of Hormuz is a focus of global attention, the Red Sea remains a critical area for EU operations. The decision reflects a cautious approach by the bloc as Washington calls for allied nations to help secure the strait following regional incidents involving drones, missiles, and mines.

The EU will continue monitoring developments in the region and assess whether additional naval resources may be needed in the future, while maintaining its current commitment to the Aspides mission in the Red Sea.