Dutch Navy patrols Strait of Hormuz for European security mission.

Zr. Ms. De Ruyter is officially deployed in the Strait of Hormuz. There, the navy ship participates in the European security mission. This mission intends to reduce tensions in the area around Iran and the United Arab Emirates. Between these countries, the Strait of Hormuz is an important sailing route from the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean.

The maritime safety situation is mapped with the radar systems on the ship and the NH90 maritime combat helicopter, among other things (Picture source: Dutch Ministry of Defense)

"This mission is about free passage," Commander Naval Forces Deputy Admiral Rob Kramer told the crew. "Your presence in this area alone is incredibly important." Something that also emphasized Foreign Minister Stef Blok. He was in the region to talk to authorities from Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, hoping to relieve tensions in the region.

Last year, 6 oil tankers were severely damaged in the event of a serious incident. Iran and the United States also shot each other's drones out of the sky. The situation is still tense and changeable, but there have been no special maritime incidents in recent weeks.

Upon arrival in the Strait of Hormuz, the frigate was immediately introduced to the Iranian Navy. A boat from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard called the ship and asked where it was going. "That was as expected," said the commander captain-lieutenant-in-the-sea Theo Klootwijk. "We indicated that we made use of the internationally recognized right of transit in this strait. They took a few photos of our ship and left again."

The mission is called Agenor and falls under the name of European-led Maritime Awareness in the Strait of Hormuz, in short EMASOH. It is led by France and is managed from the headquarters in Abu Dhabi. The Ministry of Defense has stationed 4 staff officers here for operations, intelligence, logistics and legal affairs. Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Italy and Portugal also supporting the mission.

The mission is under French leadership. Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Italy and Portugal also support the mission (Picture source: Dutch Ministry of Defense)