Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Monday that Italy will not take part in the ongoing war involving Iran, expressing caution about military involvement in protecting oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking in an interview on Italian television, Meloni emphasized that freedom of navigation in the strategic waterway between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula is extremely important. However, she warned that military intervention would represent a step toward deeper involvement in the conflict.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital global shipping route and the only maritime passage connecting the Persian Gulf to open seas. Iran has closed the strait following US and Israeli airstrikes targeting the country.
US President Donald Trump previously urged allied nations to help secure oil shipments through the strait, warning that NATO could face a bleak future if partners fail to support Washington, according to the Financial Times. Germany and several other allied countries have already rejected the request.
Meloni instead called for strengthening the European Union’s naval mission Aspides, which was established in 2024 after Iran-backed Houthi forces targeted commercial vessels. The mission has so far operated mainly in the Red Sea.
The Italian leader has repeatedly stressed that Rome will not participate in US or Israeli attacks against Iran.
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