Lithuania clarifies potential roles for troops in Strait of Hormuz mission

Lithuanian defence and diplomatic officials have outlined the possible tasks for 40 military personnel and civilians set to be deployed to the Strait of Hormuz, as parliament prepares to vote on the mission next week, LRT.lt reports.

Deputy Defence Minister Karolis Aleksa told the National Security and Defence Committee (NSGK) on Thursday that if the proposal is approved, Lithuania would join two key operations in the region: the UK- and France-led mine-clearance mission and the US Maritime Freedom Construct coalition. Lithuanian troops could participate in both, he said.

Germany and Italy have already joined the European-led initiative, with negotiations underway with “dozens of states,” Aleksa noted. “Talks are currently taking place at the planning level for both formats,” he added.

Lithuanian diplomats and presidential advisors stressed that the deployment would not be linked to the US-Israel conflict with Iran but would address economic threats in the Persian Gulf, where hundreds of vessels—including oil tankers—have been stranded.

Colonel Dainius Pašvenskas of the Defence Staff said discussions were more advanced with the UK and France. “At this stage, we are clarifying what capabilities are needed. Those planning the operations are at different speeds. The British and French have an operational plan and have published a list of required capabilities, while the US has not yet shared their operational plan with us,” he explained.

Lithuania has proposed sending a demining team with an underwater robot but would not deploy ships, though the US has expressed interest in this option. “We are not discussing ships right now, as that would require a larger contingent. We are talking about certain soft, light capabilities that we could quickly deploy to the region,” Aleksa said.

Officials also confirmed that Lithuanian troops could engage in boarding operations—combat actions against vessels—though all plans remain hypothetical. The mission would last approximately four months, with troops serving voluntarily. “The possibility of boarding is being considered. Lithuania would be in a protection group with Germany, ensuring security for a German protection vessel conducting demining operations,” Pašvenskas said.

The Seimas is expected to vote on expanding last year’s resolution on troop deployment to the Strait of Hormuz next week, following preliminary approval on Wednesday.