Key facts
- The EU is strengthening its naval mission in the Red Sea.
- Reports suggest Iran has instructed the Houthis to close the Bab el-Mandeb strait if the US attacks Iranian infrastructure.
- EU High Representative Kaja Kallas signed a new security agreement with Djibouti.
- The Bab el-Mandeb strait is a vital chokepoint for global trade, with 10-15% of maritime trade passing through it.
- A closure of the strait would force longer, more costly shipping routes around the Cape of Good Hope.
The European Union is enhancing its naval operations in the Red Sea amid reports that Iran has instructed the Houthi movement to close the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a critical global shipping chokepoint, should the United States launch strikes against Iranian infrastructure. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas visited Djibouti, signing a new security agreement to bolster the EU's presence and maritime security in the region.
The Bab el-Mandeb strait, known as the "Gate of Tears," is a narrow passage connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. Approximately 10-15% of global maritime trade, including a substantial portion of Europe's oil and gas imports, transits through this waterway. A closure would necessitate rerouting vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, significantly extending journey times and increasing shipping costs.
Kallas emphasized the growing pressure on maritime security, citing Iran's actions in the Strait of Hormuz and the deteriorating situation in the Red Sea. She highlighted the importance of freedom of navigation, stating it "must be protected every single day." The new agreement with Djibouti aims to ensure continued access to and support for EU naval assets.
The reports of Iran's alleged directive to the Houthis come as part of Iran's broader strategy to pressure the US and its allies through its "Axis of Resistance" network. The Houthis initiated their Red Sea campaign in October 2023, targeting vessels with alleged Israeli connections, which led to a significant reduction in commercial traffic through the Red Sea. While attacks were paused following a US-brokered ceasefire in October 2025, the Houthis have indicated readiness to resume them.
The EU's EUNAVFOR Aspides mission, launched in February 2024, is a defensive operation focused on safeguarding merchant ships in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, and Gulf of Oman. It has protected hundreds of vessels and saved numerous seafarers. Operation Atalanta, an older EU mission established in 2008, combats piracy and enhances broader maritime security in the western Indian Ocean. Both operations are coordinated from Djibouti, a strategically important location hosting multiple international military bases.