17.03.2026 09:15
Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated regarding the crisis in the Middle East, which began with attacks by the US and Israel on Iran and continued with Tehran's retaliations, "We are not at war, we do not want to enter into war, and we will not enter into war."
Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, who attended the EU Foreign Ministers Meeting held in Brussels, made statements to the Italian press after the meeting.
Tajani explained that the request from the United States for a coalition to ensure the security of the Strait of Hormuz was evaluated in today's meetings.
"THE DESIRE IS TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF FRIGATES IN THE RED SEA"
Tajani reported that the EU's "Aspides" mission, launched in 2024 to protect freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, and the "Atalanta" mission, which was initiated in 2008 to combat piracy, were brought to the agenda. He stated, "It was decided to keep the mandates of the Atalanta and Aspides missions within their defined roles. The desire is to increase the number of frigates currently deployed in the Red Sea."
Emphasizing that the mandates of these missions will not change, Tajani said, "In other words, the mission will remain as it is. What we are saying is Italy's position. Strengthen it, but stay within the current mandate."
"THE SECURITY OF HORMUZ MUST BE GUARANTEED THROUGH DIALOGUE"
In response to the question of how the security of the Strait of Hormuz will be ensured, Tajani stated, "The security of Hormuz, I believe, must be guaranteed through enhanced dialogue. We must do everything we can for the Americans and Iranians to be able to talk about an agreement that guarantees freedom of navigation. The significant closure of the Strait of Hormuz affects not only industrialized countries but also poorer countries negatively."
Tajani pointed out that the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz poses a risk of a food crisis in the coming months, saying, "China and other countries are also suffering more because they are dependent on oil and natural gas, but we must also consider the poorest countries and we are ready to do everything necessary to help them."
"ITALY IS NOT AT WAR"
Regarding his country's position in the Middle East crisis that began with the attacks by the US and Israel on Iran on February 28 and continued with Tehran's retaliations, Tajani stated:
"I have reiterated our position. We are not at war, we do not want to enter into war, and we will not enter into war. We have stated this as a government in Parliament and have reiterated it in the High Defense Council meeting. Italy is not at war, will not enter into war, and will not be involved in any other mission. As it is an EU country that has been attacked, we will continue to protect Cyprus with our navy. We will maintain our presence with our navy in both the Red Sea and the (Indian) Ocean through the Atalanta mission."
THE SITUATION IN LEBANON
Tajani also drew attention to the situation in Lebanon, stating, "We must ensure that the situation in Lebanon does not worsen. Our hope is for direct dialogue with Israel to come to the forefront and for the Tel Aviv administration not to initiate a military occupation of Lebanon. Of course, for this to happen, Hezbollah must stop its missile attacks against Israel and disarm. This is already being demanded by Lebanon's legitimate government. The situation is complex, but we continue to work."