EU Proposes Expanded Aspides Role in Hormuz Mine Clearance, but Needs Unanimous Approval Amid Uncertainty

The European External Action Service proposed that the EU’s Aspides naval mission assume the primary role in clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz when conditions allow, according to a note dated May 26 that was circulated to member countries. The note states that the situation requires the Union to provide a meaningful contribution to an ad hoc coalition led by France and the UK, to be materialised once conditions allow and separated from the belligerents.

It adds that EUNAVFOR ASPIDES should be tasked with undertaking the primary role in mine clearance in the Strait of Hormuz as the EU’s contribution to the FR-UK ad hoc Coalition’s efforts.

A drone view of vessels anchored in the Strait of Hormuz was captured from Musandam, Oman, on June 3, 2026. Changing the Aspides mission’s mandate would require unanimity among the EU’s 27 member countries. It remains unclear whether all members would back such a change.

The dispatch originated from Brussels and was reported by Lili Bayer.