Lithuania considers US invitation to join Hormuz Strait maritime coalition

Lithuania has received a US proposal to join an international coalition aimed at restoring commercial shipping in the Hormuz Strait, President Gitanas Nausėda announced Thursday, stating he will present the initiative to the State Defence Council (VGT) for consideration.

“We have received a proposal from the United States to join the Hormuz Strait maritime restoration coalition and intend to submit this proposal to the State Defence Council shortly,” Nausėda told reporters. He noted that parliamentary approval would also be required for Lithuania’s participation in such missions.

The president described the potential operation as a “peaceful mission” to ensure freedom of navigation, framing it as an act of solidarity. “We must not only demand and take but also give,” he said, emphasising Lithuania’s role in upholding regional stability.

Nausėda linked the strait’s blockade—attributed to Iran—to broader security concerns, calling Iran an “active accomplice of Russia in its aggressive war against Ukraine.” He argued that operations against Iran are critical for maintaining stability in the region and urged a “responsible and solidary” response to the US proposal.

The US State Department has reportedly circulated a diplomatic note urging governments worldwide to join the “Maritime Freedom Construct,” a US-led framework for information-sharing, coordinated diplomatic action, and enforcement of sanctions. The initiative follows Iran’s effective closure of the strait—a key route for one-fifth of global oil shipments—in retaliation for US-Israel airstrikes in late February, which triggered a surge in energy prices.

Former US President Donald Trump has repeatedly called on allies to assist in reopening the strait, criticising NATO members for their response to the conflict with Iran and threatening to withdraw from the alliance.