Latvia could deploy up to 20 military personnel to multinational operations aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, according to a draft parliamentary decision prepared by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on the participation of the Latvian National Armed Forces (NAF).
Latvia plans to contribute by deploying a Naval Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit equipped with autonomous mine-countermeasure capabilities. The unit would operate as part of a broader multinational diving team conducting mine-clearance operations.
In addition, Latvia intends to assign NAF staff officers and instructors to operational and tactical headquarters located both in coalition member states and within the operational area.
The Latvian contingent would participate exclusively in mine countermeasure operations, coordination of mine-clearance activities in the Strait of Hormuz, and broader efforts to reopen the waterway in order to ensure the uninterrupted right of transit through the strait.
At the same time,
Latvia will not participate in operations supporting the United States as a belligerent party in the conflict with Iran.
Based on assessments provided by the coalition-leading countries, the full mine-clearance operation in the Strait of Hormuz, conducted as part of wider freedom of navigation efforts, is expected to last between 12 and 16 months.
Taking into account the planned rotation schedule of deployed personnel and the overall operational situation, the parliamentary mandate for the participation of the Latvian National Armed Forces is expected to remain in force until the 1st of September 2028.
The Ministry of Defence and the National Armed Forces are currently working with the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), as well as the United Kingdom and France, to determine the practical and logistical arrangements required for the deployment of the Latvian contingent.
Should Parliament approve the mission,
the Ministry of Defence will continue negotiations with the participating countries
to finalise the logistical support required for the Latvian contingent in the operational area.
The Ministry noted that shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has faced persistent disruptions since the 28th of February, 2026, following joint U.S. and Israeli military strikes against Iran.
In response to the crisis, coalitions led by the United States, the United Kingdom, and France decided to establish military operations aimed at restoring and safeguarding freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of commercial shipping, deterring further attacks, and rebuilding confidence in the security of maritime transit through the strategic waterway.
The operations have not yet entered their active operational phase but are expected to continue until a secure maritime environment has been fully restored in the Strait of Hormuz.
The draft decision must first receive approval from the Latvian Cabinet of Ministers before being submitted to Parliament for final consideration.
Read also: Trump: Iran will be hit very hard if it does not open the Strait of Hormuz