20.03.2026, Rome.
The government of Giorgia Meloni, like those of other European NATO member states, chose a strategy of distancing itself from the military conflict in Iran, unwilling to become involved in military actions and seeking to protect its economy, Rossa Primavera News Agency Europe Desk noted on March 18.
Italy’s recent refusal to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz at the request of US President Donald Trump is a highly telling gesture. It is symbolic that this step was taken by Prime Minister Meloni, who in Europe is traditionally considered one of the politicians ideologically closest to the US leader and his key conservative ally in the EU.
However, despite the expected loyalty, Rome publicly distanced itself from Washington’s initiative. Explaining her position, Meloni stated directly that the situation in the Strait of Hormuz is significantly more complex than in the Red Sea, where an Italian mission is already operating, and that expanding naval operations in this area would be a direct step toward involving Italy in a military conflict with Iran. This line was supported by Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, who ruled out the participation of the Italian fleet in the proposed mission.
In this decision, Rome’s pragmatism prevailed over geopolitical sympathies. Italy has an economy dependent on maritime imports, and the Strait of Hormuz is the main artery of global oil transit, through which up to 20% of the world’s oil consumption passes daily. Participation in a US-led force coalition threatens not only a new wave of inflation and a fuel crisis due to the potential complete blockade of the strait by Tehran, but also a direct threat to the safety of Italian merchant vessels. Moreover, entering an offensive operation carries the risk of becoming a target for retaliatory missile strikes. It is no coincidence that Italy has already begun consultations with Iran on the conditions for its ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, something that would be impossible if it were directly supporting a military operation against Iran.
Therefore, instead of participating in escalation, Italy has chosen to focus its resources on the European Aspides mission in the Red Sea, a defensive operation aimed solely at protecting merchant vessels, excluding offensive strikes.
Source: Rossa Primavera News Agency
