At the moment the mandate for the protection of maritime transport in the Red Sea area assigned to Operation Aspides it will not be extended to the Strait of Hormuz area. He said so This evening, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas, during the press conference following the Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers in Brussels of the EU.

"Today," said Kallas, highlighting that the situation of transport safety through the Strait of Hormuz is Another urgent priority – we discussed options for better protect transport in the region. The EU already has in naval operations act. We have Aspides, which plays a key role in guaranteeing freedom of navigation. In our talks - he explained - the clear desire to strengthen this operation, but at the moment there is no interest to modify its mandate. Although the Strait of Hormuz is in the center of attention, the Red Sea also remains fundamental importance. The risk of Houthi involvement is real, so we must remain vigilant."