EU Weighs Expanding Aspides Mission to Lead Hormuz Mine-Clearing Effort

The Strait of Hormuz is effectively closed following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, with Iran selectively allowing passage and potential mines in the waterway, severely disrupting the transit of approximately one-fifth of global oil and LNG supplies. The EU is considering expanding its Aspides naval mission to lead a mine-clearing effort in the Strait, but a full reopening remains contingent on conflict resolution and stabilization of the situation.