Lithuania’s State Defence Council – a body comprising top political and military leadership – has approved the deployment of up to 40 troops and civilian defence personnel to an international mission to ensure free passage in the Strait of Hormuz, the presidential office said Monday.
In a statement, the office said the council backed sending “up to 40 soldiers and civilian employees of the national defence system” to participate alongside allies in international maritime security operations in the strategically important waterway.
“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 statement said.
A parliament vote will be needed to approve the plan.
The president’s office also said Lithuania is prepared to provide logistical support and allow the use of its military infrastructure in response to US requests.
Presidential spokesman Ridas Jasiulionis told BNS that the decision was adopted in writing rather than during a formal council meeting.
According to the president’s office, the council reached its decision after reviewing information and proposals submitted by the Defence Ministry regarding Lithuania’s possible contribution to safeguarding maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
The United States is seeking to form a new international coalition to restore commercial shipping through the strait, one of the world’s most important oil transit routes.
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