Budrys says EU should consider maritime security role amid Hormuz disruptions

VILNIUS - Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys said on Tuesday the European Union must consider ways to contribute to maritime security in the region, as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is severely disrupted by conflict in the Middle East.

"Ensuring shipping after military actions, after the active phase, is also the responsibility of the European Union. After all, we have at least two maritime operations in the region aimed at protecting ships from pirates and ensuring safe navigation. We are participating there anyway. So we must consider how we can contribute and what the possible effects could be," Budrys told public broadcaster LRT.

According to the minister, the European Union could also exert diplomatic pressure on Iran or apply sanctions.

"Operations are not the only component. There are ongoing diplomatic negotiations in Islamabad (...). As a major diplomatic power, the European Union has its own levers. These include economic measures - showing a perspective through sanctions on Iran. (...) Relations with regional states and, ultimately, the isolation of Iran, to which the European Union has, by the way, contributed significantly," the minister said.

According to Budrys, statements by European allies refusing to provide support to the US in the early days of the Middle East conflict were a mistake.

"The political emotion during the first days - 'we didn't start this, it's not our responsibility, do what you want' - was inappropriate and a mistake. We should not be guided by such moods and attitudes. (...) If we see that an ally needs support, we must at least consider what that support could be," the minister said.

The minister stressed that European nations must listen to criticism from US President Donald Trump, even if they disagree with it, adding that the consequences of closing the Strait of Hormuz affect everyone.

"We must hear President Trump's remarks regarding certain European positions. We don't necessarily have to agree with everything. But it no longer matters how we ended up in this situation - what matters is what we can do next, because the effects of a closed Strait of Hormuz and the overall instability in the Middle East hit everyone's pockets," Budrys explained.

"Fuel prices are rising, inflation will increase, and our overall situation will worsen. So we must mobilise our forces and resources here to solve the issue. Europe has certainly not fully utilised everything it can do. In this regard, the President of the United States can be understood," he added.