Lithuania to join Hormuz Strait maritime security mission following state defence council decision

Lithuania will contribute to international maritime security operations in the Hormuz Strait after the State Defence Council (VGT) approved the move, though the exact form of participation remains under discussion, presidential adviser Asta Skaisgirytė told *Žinių Radijas* on Tuesday.

The decision was not made to “impress anyone” but to meet allies’ security needs, Skaisgirytė said, emphasising Lithuania’s role as a “responsible ally.” She noted that any troop deployment would require parliamentary approval.

“How exactly Lithuania will participate—this still needs to be worked out by the military and the Ministry of National Defence,” she said. “If we’re talking about sending troops to the Hormuz Strait region, the Seimas will also need to approve it.”

Skaisgirytė added that Lithuania’s involvement reflects its commitment to collective security, particularly in ensuring continued U.S. military presence in Europe. “We’re doing this not to impress anyone, but because we are responsible allies,” she said. “If we want U.S. troops in Lithuania for our security, it’s only fair to contribute when allies request support.”

Decision taken via written vote

The VGT approved Lithuania’s participation in a written vote on Monday, bypassing a physical meeting. Skaisgirytė explained this was due to “practical reasons,” as gathering all council members in one place can be difficult.

Under the plan, Lithuania would deploy up to 40 military and civilian defence personnel. The government must now initiate a parliamentary vote to amend the mandate for international operations. Presidential officials also confirmed Lithuania is prepared to provide logistical support and allow use of its military infrastructure.

Background: U.S. request and Hormuz tensions

President Gitanas Nausėda first revealed in late April that the U.S. had invited Lithuania to join a coalition aimed at securing navigation in the Hormuz Strait. The waterway, a critical route for global oil and gas shipments, has faced repeated disruptions since Iran’s military effectively blocked it in late February following U.S.-Israel airstrikes. While initial U.S.-Iran talks briefly reopened the strait, both Tehran and Washington have since maintained restrictions.

U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticised European nations for insufficient support in the Iran conflict. Skaisgirytė reiterated that Lithuania’s priority is maintaining U.S. troop levels in Europe, regardless of their specific host country. “Our interest is that these troops stay in Europe—where exactly is less important,” she said.