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UK RAF Conducts Missions in Cyprus, EU Considers Expanding 'Aspides' Operation to Strait of Hormuz

Published March 15, 2026, 17:10
UK RAF Conducts Missions in Cyprus, EU Considers Expanding 'Aspides' Operation to Strait of Hormuz

The British Ministry of Defence announced that British Typhoon and F-35 fighter jets conducted missions to protect British interests and defend allies such as Qatar, Cyprus, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Bahrain. These missions took place overnight, during a period of heightened tension in the Middle East. Meanwhile, the European Union is considering expanding its 'Aspides' naval operation to the Strait of Hormuz. This operation aims to protect shipping from attacks, given growing concerns about security in the region. According to EU officials, a joint EU-United Nations naval mission is considered more likely than bilateral approaches to Iran. This suggests an effort to achieve a coordinated and multilateral response to security challenges in the area. Expanding the 'Aspides' operation to the Strait of Hormuz could strengthen the EU's presence in the region and help prevent further escalation of tensions.