The European Union is weighing whether to expand its naval mission Operation Aspides to the Strait of Hormuz as tensions escalate across the Middle East. Kaja Kallas said keeping the vital shipping route open is in the bloc’s strategic interest, while EU ministers debated options during talks in Brussels. The move comes amid pressure from Donald Trump for allies to deploy warships after Iran-linked attacks disrupted global shipping and energy flows. However, Germany has expressed scepticism, warning the mission has struggled to curb Houthi movement attacks in the Red Sea, raising doubts about its effectiveness in the far more volatile Hormuz theatre.