Lithuania approves military deployment to Strait of Hormuz mission

Lithuania’s Seimas (parliament) has approved the deployment of military personnel and civilian specialists from the Ministry of Defence to join an international coalition aimed at restoring maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Some  77 lawmakers voted in favour of the decision during a plenary session, while 11 MPs voted against and six abstained, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

On May 11, Lithuania’s State Defence Council, chaired by President Gitanas Nausėda, decided to contribute 40 military personnel and civilian specialists to the mission in the Strait of Hormuz. However, the president noted that Vilnius would only deploy its contingent after peace is established between the United States and Iran. The deployment of troops abroad falls under the authority of the Seimas.

Lithuanian Chief of Defence General Raimundas Vaikšnoras said the planned contribution will include staff officers and explosive ordnance disposal specialists.

The mission is intended to support efforts to ensure the safe resumption of shipping through the strategically important waterway.

By Vafa Guliyeva