top of page

EU has 'no appetite' to expand naval mission to Hormuz, foreign policy chief says

EU foreign ministers back strengthening the Middle East naval mission but stop short of extending its mandate to the Strait of Hormuz, says Kaja Kallas.

Lili Bayer

Andrew Gray

Reuters

March 17, 2026

EU has 'no appetite' to expand naval mission to Hormuz, foreign policy chief says

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas speaks during a closing press conference at a European Union Energy and Foreign Affairs ministers meeting in Brussels, Belgium, March 16, 2026.

Omar Havana/Reuters

European Union foreign ministers showed a "clear wish" to strengthen a naval mission in the Middle East but had no appetite to expand its mandate to the Strait of Hormuz for the time being, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Monday.


"There was in our discussions a clear wish to strengthen this operation, but for the time being, there was no appetite in changing the mandate of the operation, Aspides," Kallas told reporters after meeting EU foreign ministers in Brussels.

-Lili Bayer and Andrew Gray/Reuters

TOP POLITICAL STORIES

Hong Kong condemns countries criticizing ruling on student activist Joshua Wong

Hong Kong condemns countries criticizing ruling on student activist Joshua Wong

After months of naval blockade, US now looks to restrict Iran's land commerce

After months of naval blockade, US now looks to restrict Iran's land commerce

Senator Padilla  envies Senator Dela Rosa for being wanted by ICC

Senator Padilla envies Senator Dela Rosa for being wanted by ICC

LATEST NEWS

Trump asks UFC chief Dana White to be next White House press secretary

Trump asks UFC chief Dana White to be next White House press secretary

Pope Leo urges South Americans to bridge divisions between their countries

Pope Leo urges South Americans to bridge divisions between their countries

Heavy rain floods tents of displaced people in Gaza

Heavy rain floods tents of displaced people in Gaza

bottom of page