Netherlands redirects frigate toward Strait of Hormuz

The Netherlands has redirected a naval frigate toward the Strait of Hormuz in preparation for a potential international maritime mission, the Dutch government said on June 19.

Defence Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius informed parliament that the air-defence frigate, currently deployed in the Indo-Pacific region, would take several weeks to reach the area, Reuters reports. 

The move comes as Western allies consider strengthening maritime security in the strategic waterway following renewed geopolitical tensions. According to officials, oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have increased after a recent U.S.-Iran ceasefire agreement, although shipping and insurance industry representatives continue to warn of elevated risks and have called for urgent deployment of mine-clearing capabilities.

France and the United Kingdom are reportedly advocating for a multinational naval mission in the region. However, diplomats say Iran has strongly opposed any foreign military presence in the strait.

Germany separately announced on June 18 that it was deploying two ships to the Red Sea as part of preparations for a possible mission connected to the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.

By Sabina Mammadli