**Europe Considers Military Mission to Reopen Strait of Hormuz Amid Rising Energy Prices** The European Union is planning to send naval forces to the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. This strategic passage is a vital route for oil exports, with many countries, including Nigeria, relying on it for their energy needs. The move is part of the EU's response to the ongoing conflict in Iran, which has led to a surge in energy prices worldwide. According to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, the bloc is exploring two options: expanding its current naval mission in the Red Sea to the Persian Gulf or forming a coalition of willing member states to contribute military capacity on an ad hoc basis. This development comes after US President Donald Trump urged other countries, including China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the UK, to join the US in securing the strait. With energy prices skyrocketing in Nigeria, this move is timely, especially considering the country's reliance on imported oil. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical shipping lane, with Iran's restrictions on oil passage through the waterway sparking a global energy crisis. While Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, claims that the country has only blocked vessels with ties to the US and Israel, the move has had far-reaching consequences for the global economy. Nigeria, like many other countries, is vulnerable to fluctuations in global energy prices. A stable supply of oil is essential for the country's economic growth and development. The EU's consideration of a naval mission to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is a welcome development, as it could help mitigate the impact of rising energy prices on the global economy and, in turn, on Nigeria.