Middle East

Will the international Hormuz mission finally happen? Dutch frigate hosts coalition headquarters amid regional uncertainty

Dutch frigate HNLMS De Ruyter / photo: Defensie

The Netherlands is taking another step towards a possible international mission in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most strategically important maritime chokepoints. A small multinational headquarters team is set to board the Dutch frigate HNLMS De Ruyter in the Gulf region, following a request from the United Kingdom and France. Yet a key question remains unanswered: after months of planning, repeated regional escalations and diplomatic setbacks, will the mission actually be activated?

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The Netherlands condemns Taliban crackdown on women, while backing EU talks with Afghanistan

US ambassador Joe Popolo calls the Netherlands America’s top ally in Europe, but warns The Hague over trade, tech and the ICC

The Netherlands backs Klaas Knot for president of the European Central Bank. Can he really become the next ECB chief, if Lagarde leaves?

Questions in parliament over top Dutch defence official's role at venue behind Israel boycott