Lithuania could contribute logistics and demining capabilities to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, with several mission options under consideration, a presidential national security aide said on Tuesday.
"Our support will not be a game-changer, but our military is currently considering several options of what we could offer," Deividas Matulionis told Žinių Radijas.
"Once a decision is made, we will have a mission of one kind or another, which will mainly be related to certain logistical and demining capabilities," Matulionis added.
According to the official, the United States has not formally requested assistance from Lithuania, but "we have already received certain proposals" informally.
Last week, leaders of France and the UK held a summit regarding the Strait of Hormuz security initiative.
Matulionis said it remains unclear in what form Lithuania would participate in the Middle East mission – whether by directly assisting the US or as part of a European initiative.
He said that if necessary, an extraordinary meeting of the State Defence Council would be convened to approve the mission, while the final decision would rest with the Seimas, which passes resolutions on the participation of Lithuanian troops in international operations.
Lithuania backs UK, France initiative – FM
Lithuania supports a UK and French initiative to take greater responsibility for ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys said on Tuesday.
Budrys said Lithuania supports diplomatic efforts to resolve tensions in the Middle East and prevent Iran from developing nuclear and missile programmes, while calling for active participation in international processes.
"Lithuania supports the UK and French initiative to take on greater responsibility in ensuring free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. It is also our duty to contribute to these efforts, and we should remain open," Budrys said in Luxembourg.
Last week, France and the UK announced they would lead an international defensive mission to ensure freedom of navigation in the region, though the operation would only proceed following a broader peace agreement.
Newsletter
Every Friday morning.
