Rome: Since the outbreak of hostilities between Iran and the United States, Italy has aligned with its European partners, the G7, and multilateral organizations to advocate for the cessation of hostilities, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and the restoration of stability in the Middle East. Within this diplomatic framework, Italy has expressed its readiness to participate in an international defensive coalition to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait, once the conflict concludes.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Italy perceives the blockade of Hormuz not merely as a regional crisis but as a global shock, with potential repercussions on energy security, industrial competitiveness, and international economic balances. The blockade poses a significant risk for all countries in the region, especially an export-driven nation like Italy, where exports account for approximately 40% of GDP. The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic global trade hub, with around 20% of global oil and a quarter of liquefied natural gas exports passing through it. The insecurity of these trade routes and escalating energy prices have already impacted European households and businesses. Despite a global trade slowdown and tariff impacts, Italian exports grew by 3.3% in 2025, underscoring the vital importance of stable maritime routes to the national economy.
Italy is not only concerned about the domestic industrial impact but also the potential consequences for vulnerable countries in Africa and the Mediterranean region. Approximately 30% of global fertilizer exports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, essential for maintaining food security in many fragile economies. Rising energy and fertilizer prices threaten to reduce agricultural production, fuel inflation, and exacerbate instability, famine, and migratory flows toward Europe. In response, Italy, along with Croatia, convened a meeting with thirty countries from the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and the Balkans, as well as the FAO, to initiate the 'Rome Coalition for Food Security and Access to Fertilisers', aimed at finding immediate and concrete solutions.
The Hormuz crisis is seen as part of a broader conflict rooted in decades of tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran. Italy maintains that diplomacy is the only viable path and stresses that Tehran must not acquire nuclear weapons or missile systems that could further destabilize the region. Italy condemns the repression of youth protests in Iran and the regime's continuous attacks on residential areas, hotels, hospitals, and energy infrastructure in several Gulf countries. Italy has expressed solidarity with the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, condemning these attacks.
On the diplomatic front, Italy maintains constant contact with the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, agreeing on the importance of preserving the transatlantic bond and working jointly for international peace and stability. Italy also supports ongoing negotiations in Pakistan to keep diplomatic channels open. Italy continues dialogue with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, urging Tehran to negotiate in good faith and resume cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, while rebuilding positive relations with Gulf countries.
In recent developments, Italy has sought China's involvement, with discussions held between Italian leaders and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to encourage Beijing's active role in mediating with Tehran. Concurrently, Rome maintains direct communication with Gulf regional partners, considered essential interlocutors for a lasting diplomatic resolution and future restoration of navigation freedom in the Strait.
Operationally, Italy is prepared to leverage its experience from European naval missions in regions such as the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and Mediterranean. Italy aims to strengthen the European mission ASPIDES, currently involving only Italy and Greece in Red Sea patrols to ensure maritime transport security. In the anticipated multinational mission in the Strait of Hormuz, Italy could contribute to mine-clearing operations and the safety of commercial navigation.
Italy believes that lasting peace in the Middle East requires stability in Lebanon. The Italian Government supports dialogue between Israel and Beirut, mediated by the United States, and has offered to host direct talks between the parties. During a recent mission to Lebanon, Italy reiterated support for turning the current ceasefire into a genuine peace process. Both Washington and Brussels regard Rome as a crucial player in strengthening Beirut's statehood, a topic addressed during recent meetings with the Lebanese Foreign Minister.
Italy remains committed to the security of its military personnel engaged in the UNIFIL mission and other military initiatives in Lebanon, advocating for the protection of Christian communities in the country. The issue of violence by extremist Israeli settlers was addressed in Brussels, leading to new sanctions against them, alongside sanctions against Hamas terrorists, whose disarmament is deemed a priority. Italy continues to monitor the situation in Gaza and the Palestinian Territories, playing an active role in humanitarian assistance and future reconstruction efforts, aiming for peaceful coexistence of two states.
In this context, Italy has welcomed 72 Palestinian students awarded scholarships at Italian universities, viewing it as an investment in the future Palestinian leadership.