EU Council President says help secure 'safe passage' for ships in Hormuz Strait

European Council President Antonio Costa said that European countries were preparing a postwar plan to secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz without direct US involvement, as tensions from the Iran conflict reshape trans-Atlantic ties.

He added that European countries were also preparing to take on more security responsibility, especially in critical trade routes, as questions grow over long-term US military leadership. The proposal, led by the UK and France, would create a broad coalition to restore confidence in the waterway after hostilities end.

It would include mine-clearing operations and naval deployments, but exclude belligerent parties such as the United States, Israel and Iran. While US President Donald Trump had previously urged European allies to help reopen the Strait by force, the proposal came amid growing differences between Europe and US.