Lithuania approves deployment of troops to Strait of Hormuz

The Lithuanian parliament has voted to send military personnel to the Strait of Hormuz, with 87 lawmakers supporting the decision, two opposing, and 15 abstaining, LRT.lt reports.

The move follows discussions in the Seimas National Security and Defence Committee, where Lithuanian military and diplomatic officials confirmed ongoing talks with US forces, as well as demining missions led by France and the United Kingdom. Diplomats and presidential representatives stressed that Lithuania’s contribution would not be linked to the US-Israel conflict with Iran but would instead address economic threats posed by disruptions in the strait, where hundreds of vessels—including oil tankers—have been stranded.

Opposition emerged from the “Nemuno aušra” (Dawn of Nemunas) faction, with 14 of its members abstaining. Remigijus Žemaitaitis, the faction’s leader, questioned the mission’s potential to entangle Lithuania in broader regional conflicts, warning that the deployment could lead to further military commitments elsewhere. Only two lawmakers—Valius Ąžuolas of the “Valstiečiai” (Farmers) group and independent Vitalijus Šeršniovas—voted against the measure.

Lithuania has proposed sending a demining team equipped with an underwater robot but will not dispatch ships at this stage. Defense Vice-Minister Karolis Aleksa noted that discussions with the US are still in early phases, while coordination with the UK and France—both of which have published operational plans and capability lists—is further advanced. “We’re in the initial planning stage to ensure we can respond promptly once political agreements are reached,” said Colonel Dainius Pašvenskas of the Lithuanian Defence Staff.

The draft law establishes a legal framework to deploy up to 40 Lithuanian military and civilian personnel to participate in international maritime security operations in the Strait of Hormuz. The mission aims to support global efforts to safeguard freedom of navigation and regional stability.

Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas reiterated that Lithuania’s involvement would focus on demining, force protection, intelligence, and other defensive capabilities, emphasizing that the operation remains unrelated to the US-Israel military campaign against Iran.

The Seimas fast-tracked the legislation after President Gitanas Nausėda received a response from US President Donald Trump thanking Lithuania for its readiness to contribute to securing maritime traffic in the strait. In May, the State Defence Council approved Lithuania’s participation in international efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The country has also offered logistical support and access to its military infrastructure.