EU Weighs Naval Mission as Iran Deploys 'Suicide Boats' in Strait of Hormuz
Iran has escalated its maritime strategy in the Strait of Hormuz by deploying explosive-laden drone boats disguised as fishing vessels, signaling a new phase of hybrid warfare in the world's most critical oil shipping lane. This move comes as the country's new supreme leader has vowed to continue blocking the strait, contributing to spiking global oil prices and intense anxiety over energy supplies. The US and its allies have reported numerous intercepted missiles and drones from Iranian attacks in the region. In response, international efforts are coalescing to secure the waterway. Former US President Trump publicly called on the UK, China, France, Japan, and South Korea to send naval vessels to the region. While US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sought to downplay immediate concerns, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the US Navy and an international coalition would begin escorting commercial ships through the strait as soon as 'militarily possible.' The European Union is taking a leading role in the response. EU ministers are set to discuss potential naval options, with France announced to lead a reinforced EU naval mission. French President Emmanuel Macron stated the goal is to establish a 'purely defensive and supportive mission' to escort container ships and tankers once the 'hottest phase of the conflict' subsides. UK officials have also confirmed they are looking at options, including sending ships and mine-hunting drones, to help reopen the strait.
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Iran deploys explosive ‘suicide skiffs’ disguised as fishing boats in Strait of Hormuz
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Iran is deploying explosive-laden drone boats disguised as wooden fishing vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, a defense expert has warned — a move that signals a new phase of hybrid maritime warfare in one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes.
President renews call for allies to secure strait of Hormuz – as it happened | US-Israel war on Iran | The Guardian
Explosions rang out over Bahrain’s ... the AFP news agency reported. Bahrain has intercepted 125 missiles and 203 drones since the start of the Iranian attacks, according to authorities in the country. ... The US strikes on Kharg Island come amid intense anxiety around energy supply disruptions sparked by the war in the Middle East. The strait of Hormuz, one of the ...
UK may send ships and mine-hunting drones to help open strait of Hormuz, says Miliband | Strait of Hormuz | The Guardian
Any options that can help to get the strait reopened are being looked at.” · Miliband was speaking a day after Trump wrote a post on social media calling for the UK, China, France, Japan, South Korea and others, to send naval vessels to the region. “Many Countries, especially those who are affected by Iran’s attempted closure of the Hormuz ...
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, hours later, told Sky News that the U.S. Navy, and possibly an international coalition, would begin escorting ships through the strait as soon as "militarily possible." Asked how soon the Strait of Hormuz would be open to traffic, Hegseth said Friday, "The ...
Iran live updates: Trump calls on other countries to assist in Strait of Hormuz - ABC News
Energy Secretary Chris Wright appears on ABC News' "This Week" on March 15, 2026. ... Wright's comments come as Americans are seeing increasingly high gas prices as a result of the war. One major piece of leverage Iran maintains is its control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime ...
France to lead EU naval mission to protect Strait of Hormuz tankers after ‘hot phase’ of Iran war
"We are establishing a purely defensive and supportive mission … which will allow, once the hottest phase of the conflict is over, escorting container ships and tankers [through Hormuz]," said French president Emmanuel Macron in Cyprus on Monday.
France will deploy almost a dozen warships to Middle East, considers Hormuz escort mission - - Gamereactor
Speaking during a visit to Cyprus, ... in a mission to escort commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz once conditions allow. The aim would be to safeguard global shipping and gradually reopen the key energy corridor if fighting disrupts traffic. France also plans to reinforce the EU naval operation ...
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