Rome: Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto has affirmed that dispatching vessels to the Strait of Hormuz is not possible, adding that Italy is not participating in this war, nor is any other European state.
According to Qatar News Agency, Crosetto emphasized in remarks on Wednesday that this conflict is not "our war," and the collective interest is to avoid the involvement of the Strait of Hormuz in it. He highlighted the need for an international agreement and expressed that Italy would be extremely pleased if a mission could unite the entire world to ensure the passage of energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.
Crosetto underlined that it is not feasible to send ships on an operation that could be interpreted as participation in a war rather than ensuring a passage of peace. He explained that a mission under United Nations auspices, with the participation and consent of all countries, would mean working within a comprehensive security framework. Ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz is a global public good.
He added that the reduction of high energy prices would be immediate thereafter, noting that Italy is taking measures through the large companies it owns. Italy has taken similar actions with Venezuela, African channels, and Asian partners such as Indonesia to cover any potential shortfall arising from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump recently urged NATO countries to assist Washington in securing navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, warning that the alliance could face a very bad future if the allies did not take that step.