Lithuania joins Hormuz coalition with troop deployment

Lithuania’s State Defence Council has approved the deployment of up to 40 troops and civilian defence personnel to an international mission aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, the presidential office said on May 11.

The council, which includes the country’s top political and military leadership, backed the participation of “up to 40 soldiers and civilian employees of the national defence system” in international maritime security operations alongside allied countries in the strategically important waterway, Caliber.Az reports via Lithuanian media.

“The State Defence Council approved the deployment of Lithuanian military capabilities [...] to participate together with allies in international maritime security operations ensuring free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and proposed that the government immediately initiate the corresponding amendment to the Seimas mandate for international operations,” the presidential office said in a statement.

The deployment still requires approval by Lithuania’s parliament, the Seimas.

The presidential office also said Lithuania was ready to provide logistical support and allow the use of its military infrastructure in response to requests from the United States.

Presidential spokesman Ridas Jasiulionis told BNS that the decision had been adopted in writing rather than during a formal meeting of the State Defence Council.

According to the presidential office, the decision followed a review of information and proposals submitted by the Defence Ministry concerning Lithuania’s potential contribution to protecting maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.

The United States is seeking to establish a new international coalition to restore commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoints.

By Aghakazim Guliyev