The European Union's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, announced that the bloc might extend its naval mission, Operation Aspides, from the Red Sea to the Strait of Hormuz once the ongoing Iran war concludes. This operation currently plays a vital role in securing shipping routes in the Red Sea from Houthi threats. Kallas mentioned that several countries are willing to contribute more naval assets to bolster this mission, which could be crucial for ensuring the safety of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, where about 20% of the world's oil and natural gas typically transits. The EU is responding to the challenges posed by Iran's blockade of the strait, which has led to rising global energy prices. Initial discussions among EU defense ministers in March had previously dismissed proposals to broaden the mission's scope, but renewed negotiations are taking place among defense ministers from approximately 40 countries, led by France and Britain, to address the situation in the region.