Meloni Denies Italy’s Role in Strait of Hormuz Operations

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated on Monday that Italy is not involved in efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz amidst ongoing conflict in the Middle East. During an interview on Cuata Republica, a program aired on Rete 4, she discussed various topics including the current tensions in the region.

Meloni emphasized that sending vessels to the strategic strait would signify a step toward deeper involvement in the war against Iran. “When we talk about the Strait of Hormuz, it’s a more complex issue as it implies moving toward direct engagement,” she remarked, noting the importance of navigation freedom as emphasized in a recent joint statement with international partners.

She continued, “Being objective means taking on more responsibility in terms of engagement. Our focus is on de-escalation, ensuring that the war concludes and that diplomacy has a chance to resume.”

While ruling out participation in reopening the Strait, Meloni mentioned Italy’s commitment to enhance Operation Aspides, which began in 2024 in response to Iranian-affiliated Houthi attacks on commercial vessels. This operation, currently active in the Red Sea, is set to be intensified.

In a recent interview, she clarified that her primary concerns include the safety of Italian military bases in the Gulf, particularly those in Erbil and Kuwait, which have faced attacks recently. “It’s crucial to keep an eye on our troops. There are numerous soldiers in the area, especially in Erbil and Kuwait,” Meloni pointed out, while also indicating that Italy is scaling back its military presence and maintaining only the most essential missions.

“These missions are critical. They pertain to international counter-terrorism efforts,” she added. Meloni reiterated the significance of Italy’s unity and presence in supporting Gulf nations, highlighting the large number of Italians residing in the region.