Italy offers naval support for Straits following Paris summit

Following the Paris summit held on April 17, 2026, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced Italy's readiness to deploy naval units to the Straits. This commitment is contingent upon receiving the necessary authorization from the Italian Parliament, in accordance with the national Constitution. Meloni emphasized that this initiative builds upon previous Italian contributions to maritime security, such as the European operations Aspides and Atalanta. The Prime Minister specifically noted that the Aspides operation provides relevant experience for this new endeavor. Regarding the ongoing ceasefire in Lebanon, which was achieved with United States mediation, Meloni stated that Italy is prepared to assist in reinforcing stability. She underscored that supporting the ceasefire requires a multifaceted approach involving diplomacy, security measures, and humanitarian efforts. The Italian government aims to address the needs of stranded sailors in the Gulf and support nations impacted by the regional crisis. Italy maintains its commitment to contributing its share to these international efforts.