The European Union (EU) has proposed that the bloc’s Aspides naval mission take “the primary role” in clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz, when conditions allow, as part of a Franco-British-led initiative, according to a document seen by Reuters.

The European External Action Service has written in a note dated May 26 and sent to member states that, “the situation requires the Union to provide a meaningful contribution” to a coalition led by France and Britain, “to be materialised once conditions allow and separated from the belligerents”.

Changing the Aspides mission’s mandate would require unanimity, and it remains unclear if the EUs 27 member countries would back such a change.

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