, May 14 -- Since the outbreak of the war between Iran and the United States, Italy has acted together with its European partners, the G7 and multilateral organisations to promote a cessation of hostilities, ensure the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and restore stability in the Middle East. Within this framework, our country has expressed its willingness to take part, once the conflict has ended, in an international defensive coalition aimed at restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait.

As I recalled in recent hours in my address to a parliamentary committee in Italy, for our Government the blockade of Hormuz is not a mere regional crisis, but a global shock destined to affect energy security, industrial competitiveness and intern...