Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Thursday (9 April) that restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is a vital interest for both Italy and the European Union, pledging coordination with international partners to ensure safe passage.
Following U.S.-Israeli attacks, Iran restricted shipping in the strait, through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil and gas flows, driving up global energy prices.
Tehran has proposed charging fees for ships passing through the strait, a move Meloni warned could have wide-ranging economic and trade consequences.
"We are already working with the UK-led coalition for the Strait of Hormuz, which includes over 30 countries, to build security conditions allowing the full restoration of freedom of navigation and supply," Meloni said in parliament.
However, Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini clarified that Italy would not send ships to patrol the area without a U.N. mandate.
Meloni condemned violations of the two-week U.S.-Iran ceasefire and urged Israel to halt military operations in Lebanon. She also reiterated her opposition to recent U.S. strikes in Iran, amid criticism from opposition parties over her perceived closeness to President Donald Trump.
Addressing parliament for the first time since a recent referendum defeat on justice reforms, Meloni rejected calls for a cabinet reshuffle and vowed to serve out her full term, scheduled to run until the second half of 2027.
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