European Coalition Plans Defensive Mission to Reopen Strait of Hormuz

A coalition of more than 40 nations, primarily NATO members along with countries such as South Korea, Australia, and Japan, convened in Paris to outline a plan aimed at resuming navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The proposed mission encompasses military ships, escorts, armed forces, intelligence, mine-clearing operations, and radar capabilities. Some European countries have already deployed vessels to the region.

European leaders have been responding to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which followed U.S. and Israeli airstrikes against Iran on February 28. This closure has significantly disrupted global trade, particularly affecting Europe. The coalition's mission is intended to commence once the conflict subsides, with a focus on defensive operations. A NATO source stated, "The aim is that we now move beyond planning, and preposition vessels in the region to be ready to act when the conflict subsides."

The meeting was held in a hybrid format, with most countries participating online. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz joined French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace in person. Chancellor Merz emphasized that any German participation would require at least a provisional ceasefire and approval from both the government and parliament, noting, "We are still a long way from that."

The coalition aims to ensure the mission remains separate from the warring parties, excluding the U.S. and Israel. President Macron described the mission as "strictly defensive" and "separate from the warring parties." The overall mandate is yet to be finalized, and discussions regarding a UN mandate or the expansion of the EU’s Aspides mission are ongoing. Experts caution that such an operation carries risks, including potential escalation of the conflict. Ed Arnold, a senior research fellow of European security at RUSI, remarked, "There’s always the possibility we’ll be drawn into a broader conflict."

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil is transported. Its closure has led to significant economic repercussions globally. The coalition's efforts aim to mitigate these impacts by ensuring the safe passage of maritime traffic once security conditions allow.