Foreign ministers from the European Union are scheduled to meet in Brussels on Monday to discuss whether the bloc’s naval mission should be extended to the Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions in the Middle East and soaring global oil prices.

The discussions come as the conflict involving the United States and Israel against Iran continues to disrupt global energy markets. The narrow maritime passage handles roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil shipments, making it one of the most critical trade routes for energy supplies.

According to a person familiar with the matter, EU ministers will consider expanding the bloc’s naval mission Operation Aspides to include patrols in the Strait of Hormuz.

Operation Aspides was launched in early 2024 to protect international shipping in the Red Sea after attacks by Yemen’s Houthi forces on commercial vessels traveling through the region.

Pressure from Washington has been increasing in recent days. Donald Trump urged several major powers, including the United Kingdom, France, China and Japan, to deploy naval vessels to the area to safeguard oil shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Tehran announced last week that it would block the waterway in response to US-Israeli strikes on its territory. Since then, several vessels have reportedly come under attack in the region, increasing fears about disruptions to global energy supplies.

Despite the pressure from Washington, some European officials remain cautious about expanding the mission. Johann Wadephul confirmed that the issue would be discussed at the meeting in Brussels but expressed skepticism about the need for such an operation.

In an interview with German public broadcaster ARD, Wadephul said he did not see an immediate requirement for extending the naval mission and ruled out Germany’s participation for now. He also called on the United States and Israel to provide clearer information about their objectives and strategy in the war against Iran.

His remarks reflect broader concerns among European officials who say Washington has not fully explained the timeline or long-term goals of the military campaign.

Meanwhile, global oil markets remain under pressure as the conflict continues. Chris Wright said on Sunday that the war with Iran could end within a few weeks. He added that energy prices would likely fall once stability returns to the region and shipping lanes reopen.

Despite those reassurances, crude oil prices have climbed above $100 per barrel, raising concerns among governments and economists about the potential impact on inflation and economic growth worldwide.

The meeting in Brussels is expected to focus on whether European countries should play a larger role in protecting maritime traffic in the Gulf as tensions continue to escalate.

Qatar intercepted missiles targeting the country early Saturday, prompting precautionary evacuations in parts of the capital as authorities activated emergency preparedness measures and reassured residents about the stability of supply chains.

The Qatari defence ministry said the country’s armed forces intercepted incoming missiles in two waves during the early hours of the morning. Journalists and residents in Doha reported hearing air raid alerts followed by the sound of interceptor missiles destroying incoming projectiles at around 2:00 a.m. and again at approximately 5:45 a.m., with loud explosions shaking parts of the city.

Authorities said the situation was handled by defence systems, while the government began precautionary safety steps in several areas.

The interior ministry announced temporary evacuations affecting residents who received notifications through the National Alert System. Officials said alternative accommodation had been arranged for those impacted, though some residents opted to move to other safe locations until the threat subsided.

Witnesses reported evacuations in parts of Msheireb Downtown Doha, a central district that includes government offices and international companies. Some residents and journalists also said areas within Education City were cleared as a precaution. The district hosts branch campuses of several American universities and international institutions.

Officials have not publicly listed the exact neighbourhoods included in the evacuation notices, urging the public to rely on official announcements and follow instructions from authorities.

Shortly before the evacuation alerts were issued, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps published a warning on social media advising employees working at major US technology companies in Gulf countries to leave office areas along with residents living nearby. The message referenced technology hubs in cities including Doha, Dubai and Riyadh.

Qatari officials moved quickly to reassure the public that emergency planning and supply chains remain secure. Interior Minister Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani said the country maintains strategic reserves of essential medicines sufficient for about nine months, along with medical supplies capable of supporting healthcare services for up to a year if needed.

Authorities also emphasised the continued flow of goods into the country. National carrier Qatar Airways said it has transported nearly 300 tonnes of essential cargo into Qatar since the beginning of March. The shipments include medicines, baby formula, fresh food and medical equipment.

The airline said cargo flights are continuing through temporary air corridors authorised by the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority to maintain supply routes despite regional airspace disruptions.

Government officials said the country’s emergency plans are designed to ensure public safety while maintaining essential services during periods of regional tension. Authorities urged residents to remain calm and stay informed through official communication channels as security forces continue monitoring the situation.

Russia launched a major overnight assault on Ukraine, targeting civilian and infrastructure sites with a combination of ballistic missiles and drones, while Ukraine responded with attacks on Russian energy facilities.

Ukrainian authorities reported that two ballistic missiles and 117 drones were fired during the strike, hitting multiple locations across the country. One missile struck a passenger train traveling from Kyiv to Sumy on Sunday. Early reports indicated that up to 200 passengers were on board, but no injuries were reported.

The attacks come amid a wave of Russian strikes focusing on Ukraine’s energy and railway infrastructure, part of Moscow’s ongoing efforts to disrupt transport, logistics, and supply chains during its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian officials have noted repeated damage to railway networks in recent months, causing delays and logistical disruptions across several regions.

Moscow said on Saturday that its recent operations targeted Ukrainian military-industrial enterprises and energy facilities, claiming substantial damage. Ukraine, in turn, reported heavy losses inflicted on Russian personnel and equipment at multiple locations, highlighting continued frontline resistance.

Zelenskyy Honors Fallen Soldiers

On Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, accompanied by Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, visited the Wall of Remembrance of the Fallen for Ukraine, a memorial dedicated to soldiers who have died since the 2022 invasion.

During the visit, Zelenskyy presented Jetten with a request from Ukrainian troops defending Druzhkivka for additional radar systems to strengthen frontline defenses. “Last week on the Druzhkivka front, our troops made a very concrete request for radar systems. I won’t go into details now, but they are very much needed. This is what helps protect soldiers,” Zelenskyy said, noting the Netherlands’ expertise in radar technology.

The president also discussed financial support for Ukraine with French President Emmanuel Macron in a phone conversation on Saturday.

Ukraine Strikes Russian Energy Sites

In retaliation, Ukrainian drones targeted an oil pipeline dispatch station in Russia’s Krasnodar Krai region late Saturday. Local authorities reported a major fire at the Armavir facility, which functions as a key hub for fuel distribution through pipelines and rail. Videos shared by residents showed multiple storage tanks ablaze, sending thick smoke into the sky.

The independent monitoring group CyberBoroshno said damage to the station could disrupt the wider petroleum logistics network in the area. Krasnodar Krai authorities dispatched approximately 120 firefighters and 38 fire engines to contain the blaze, which affected roughly 700 square meters.

In Russia’s Belgorod Oblast, authorities reported a missile strike on energy facilities overnight, causing blackouts and disrupting electricity, water, and heating services. Footage circulated online showed explosions at substations and bright flashes lighting up the night sky.

The attacks underscore the intensifying cycle of strikes and counter-strikes between Russia and Ukraine, with both sides targeting infrastructure critical to military and civilian operations.

This escalation adds to growing international concern over the humanitarian and economic impact of continued attacks on energy and transport systems in both countries.