The European Union (EU) announced on Monday that it plans to explore ways to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open amidst rising energy and commodity prices, as conflict escalates in the region during the third week of war involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign policy chief, emphasized the importance of keeping the strait operational, stating, "It is in our interest to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, and that’s why we are also discussing what we can do in this regard from the European side," ahead of a meeting of the 27-member bloc's foreign ministers in Brussels.

U.S. President Donald Trump has sought assistance from allies, including France, China, Japan, South Korea, and Britain, to help secure the Strait for global shipping. Kallas suggested that the EU might extend its Aspides naval mission, initially established to protect shipping in the Red Sea, to secure routes leading into the Persian Gulf. Alternatively, she proposed forming a "coalition of the willing" with member states contributing military resources on an ad hoc basis.

The conflict in Iran, which ignited following airstrikes conducted by Israel and the U.S. on February 28, has led to a significant increase in global energy prices, with Brent crude rising by over 40%. In addition to fueling inflation in energy costs, the war has disrupted the wider global supply chain, impacting various sectors including pharmaceuticals from India, semiconductors from Asia, and fertilizer products from the Middle East.

As a result of the hostilities, cargo ships are either stranded in the Gulf or taking lengthy detours around the southern tip of Africa. Air cargo flights from the Middle East have been severely affected, leading to potential shortages and price escalations across a broad spectrum of goods if the conflict persists.

France has indicated that it is collaborating with international partners, including those in Europe, India, and Asia, to establish a potential international escort mission to facilitate shipping through the Strait. However, French President Emmanuel Macron cautioned that any such operation must wait until "the circumstances permit" and fighting has subsided.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul expressed the need for clarity from the U.S. and Israel regarding their military objectives in the region. He stated that it is essential for their goals to be well-defined before addressing the broader security architecture necessary for the region, highlighting the Iranian government's role as a significant threat to shipping freedom and the global economy. Wadephul is supportive of imposing sanctions on those obstructing passage through the Strait but did not provide further details.

Luxembourg Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel remarked that the EU is currently uncommitted to any military responses, indicating that a decision on participation in the conflict is imperative. He noted, "The fact is, for the moment, the EU is not directly part of the situation. So we need to decide if we are going to be part or not. That’s an important decision."

Operation Aspides was originally implemented to counter threats to shipping from Somali pirates and Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, who are not actively involved in the ongoing conflict. Saudi Aramco operates a pipeline network designed to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, allowing oil delivery to the Red Sea port city of Yanbu.

Kallas remarked, "If we want to have security in this region, then it would be easiest to actually already use the operation that we have in the region and maybe change a bit," while acknowledging the complexities involved in establishing a swift and effective response to secure the Strait of Hormuz.

Additionally, the EU is increasingly concerned about a potential refugee crisis arising from the prolonged conflict in Iran. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the need for proactive measures in migration diplomacy, stating, "Although for now, the conflict has not translated into immediate migratory flows toward the EU, what the future holds remains unclear and necessitates the full mobilization of every migration diplomacy tool we have at our disposal."