EU Proposes Naval Role in Clearing Mines from Strait of Hormuz

A document revealed that the European Union's diplomatic service proposed that the EU naval mission, Operation Atalanta, take on a "leading role" in clearing mines from the Strait of Hormuz "when conditions permit," as part of a European contribution to an initiative led by France and the United Kingdom.

The United States military has threatened to target Iranian mine-laying vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Reuters, the European External Action Service stated in a memorandum dated May 26 that "the situation requires the Union to provide an effective contribution" to a temporary coalition led by France and the UK, which "will be activated when conditions allow and will be separate from the warring parties."

Operation Atalanta, the EU naval mission, was established in 2024 to protect vessels from attacks by the Houthi militia in the Red Sea. It is led by an Italian ship and a Greek ship, with the possibility of support from an additional French ship and another Italian vessel.

In March, diplomats and officials reported that EU foreign ministers discussed strengthening a small naval mission in the Middle East, without expanding its role to include the Strait of Hormuz.