EU foreign ministers will debate reinforcing the bloc’s naval mission as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz threaten global energy supplies.Summary:EU foreign ministers will discuss strengthening the bloc’s Aspides naval mission.Some officials have suggested extending the mission toward the Strait of Hormuz.The waterway carries about 20% of global oil and LNG supplies.Shipping disruptions intensified after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.Ministers are unlikely to approve a Hormuz deployment immediately.Germany’s foreign minister expressed scepticism about expanding the mission.The U.S. is urging allies to send ships to help reopen shipping lanes.European Union foreign ministers are set to discuss strengthening the bloc’s naval presence in the Middle East as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz threaten global energy supplies and push oil prices higher.Officials said the meeting in Brussels on Monday will examine whether the European Union could expand or reinforce its existing maritime mission in the region, known as Operation Aspides. The operation was launched in 2024 to protect international shipping in the Red Sea from attacks by Yemen’s Houthi militants.Some policymakers have floated the possibility that the mission could eventually play a role in safeguarding shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the critical waterway linking the Persian Gulf with global energy markets. Around one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas flows through the strait.Shipping through the corridor has been heavily disrupted since the United States and Israel began strikes against Iran on February 28, prompting Tehran to threaten closure of the passage and carry out attacks on vessels operating in the area.However, diplomats and officials say ministers are unlikely to make any immediate decision to extend the Aspides mission to the Gulf during Monday’s discussions. Instead, talks are expected to focus on increasing contributions from EU member states to strengthen the mission’s existing operations.Currently, the EU-led force includes an Italian and a Greek warship under direct command, with additional support available from French and Italian naval vessels.Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany Johann Wadephul confirmed that expanding the mission is under discussion but expressed doubts about its effectiveness.Speaking to German broadcaster ARD, Wadephul said he remained sceptical that extending the operation to the Strait of Hormuz would significantly improve maritime security, arguing that the mission has struggled to fully achieve its current objectives.The debate comes amid mounting pressure from Washington for allies to help secure the crucial energy corridor. Over the weekend, Donald Trump urged several major economies—including the United Kingdom, France, China and Japan—to deploy naval forces to help reopen shipping lanes.Meanwhile, US Energy Sec Chris Wright (Chris Wrong would be more accurate) said the conflict with Iran could end within weeks, although markets remain wary. Brent crude oil prices have surged above $103 per barrel amid fears that prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could tighten global supply and weigh on economic growth.European governments have also raised concerns about the lack of clarity around Washington’s longer-term strategy in the conflict, with some officials calling for greater transparency about its objectives and timeline. This article was written by Eamonn Sheridan at investinglive.com.