Iran, the EU strengthens the Aspides mission against the Houthis. Italia participates with the frigate Luigi Rizzo

With the outbreak of war between the US and Israel on the one hand and Iran on the other, the European naval mission EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, launched on 19 February 2024 to ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea region endangered by attacks by the Houthi militiamen, close allies of Iran, has inevitably taken on an even more strategic role. "Our naval mission, Aspides, has seen a sharp increase in requests for protection and we will strengthen it with additional ships to enhance maritime security in the region," confirmed EU High Representative for Foreign Policy Kaja Kallas in recent days.

The mission's mandate was due to expire on 28 February but the Council of the European Union decided on the 23rd to extend it until 28 February 2027 following the strategic review of the operation. The operation was established by the EU in February 2024. As part of the extension, the Council agreed on a financial reference amount of about EUR 15 million to cover the common costs of the operation for the period from 1 March 2026 to 28 February 2027. A further strategic review of the operation will be conducted in 2026/27.

The operation helps to safeguard freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and surrounding waters and provides defensive maritime security, protects ships and supports stability along key maritime routes, in accordance with international law. The operation is active along the main maritime lines of communication around the Baab al-Mandab Strait and monitors the maritime situation in the Strait of Hormuz, as well as in the international waters of the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman and the Gulf.

From the headquarters of the mission, led by Greek Admiral Vasileios Gryparis, they let it be known that 'the Houthis have threatened to launch new attacks' in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden and stressed that 'our resources are available to contribute to freedom of navigation and maritime security'.

Two additional ships, provided by France, have joined the mission in the last few hours, which has so far operated mainly off the coast of Yemen. In all, EU sources explain, the vessels deployed thus rise to five (Italia currently participates in the European mission with the frigate Luigi Rizzo). "Our operators in the area are closely monitoring the situation, remain vigilant and continue to carry out their duties ensuring the protection and safety of commercial maritime traffic within their operational area," explained an Aspides spokesperson reached by the Ansa news agency. "For operational security reasons, we are not divulging any details about ongoing activities," he added. The alert is high, and any detail could provide an assist to the enemy.