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"Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Rome is taking part in a 30-country coalition aimed at restoring security and ensuring full freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as a 'vital interest' for both Italy and the European Union. Addressing parliament on Thursday, Meloni warned that any restrictions, including potential Iranian tariffs on transit, could trigger long-term disruptions in global trade flows, energy markets, and supply chains. “If Iran were to succeed in obtaining the ability to apply extra tariffs on transits in the strait, this could still lead to economic consequences with unpredictable shifts in commercial flows. Therefore, it is of paramount interest for Italy and its European and Western partners that freedom of navigation be fully restored," she said. She confirmed that Italy is already working with a UK-led international coalition involving more than 30 countries to rebuild secure conditions for maritime traffic and stabilise global supply routes. Meloni also welcomed a fragile ceasefire between Iran and the United States, praising the diplomatic efforts led by Pakistan, while stressing that the 'faint prospect of peace' must be pursued with determination. The US and Iran agreed a conditional two-week ceasefire on Tuesday night, shortly before Donald Trump's own deadline for a deal and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. As part of a proposed framework for ending the conflict, Iran is pushing to retain control over the Strait and introduce transit fees on passing vessels. Reports suggest Tehran could charge up to $2 million per ship. The move is framed by Iranian officials as a way to fund post-war reconstruction and assert sovereignty over one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints. Turning to Lebanon, Meloni condemned recent Israeli actions, calling them a violation of the ceasefire and international law. She specifically pointed to an incident involving warning shots fired at an Italian UNIFIL convoy, describing it as 'completely unacceptable' and a breach of UN Resolution 1701. "We have supported the Lebanese government, its territorial sovereignty, and its commitment to disarm Hezbollah's terrorist militias, and for this, we have repeatedly asked Israel to stop the military escalation, ensure the safety of the UNIFIL mission personnel," she noted. Beyond the immediate crisis, Meloni warned that Europe must adapt to a changing global order as the United States increasingly pivots toward the Indo-Pacific. She called for stronger European strategic autonomy while maintaining unity with Washington. “West stands on two legs, the European leg and the North American leg. If the two legs do not move in the same direction, the West is destined for paralysis [...] Only if the West is united can it remain relevant on the global stage,” she said."
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