Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Thursday that restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is of vital interest to Italy and the European Union, and that she will work with partners to achieve that goal.
After the US-Israeli attacks, Iran restricted traffic through the strait to put pressure on its enemies, which led to a rise in energy prices, since about a fifth of the world’s oil and gas passes through this narrow passage.
As part of its proposals to end the war, Tehran wants to levy tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
– If Iran succeeds in obtaining authorization to apply additional tariffs for transit through the Straits, it could have economic consequences and changes in trade flows – Meloni told the lower house of parliament.
– We are already working with the coalition led by the United Kingdom, which includes more than 30 countries, to create security conditions for the full restoration of freedom of navigation and supply – she added.
However, Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini said on Wednesday that Italy would not send ships on patrol without a mandate from the United Nations.
Meloni condemned all violations of the two-week ceasefire agreed by the US and Iran earlier this week.
She also called on Israel to end military operations in Lebanon, and opposition parties who accuse her of being too close to Donald Trump, reminded of her stance against the US decision to attack Iran.
– We have come a step away from the point of no return, but now we are facing a fragile prospect of peace that must be pursued with determination – Meloni said.
It was the first time the Italian leader addressed parliament since a painful defeat in a referendum on judicial reforms two weeks ago, which led to several resignations in her government.
During her one-hour speech, she ruled out the possibility of a wider cabinet reconstruction and promised to serve the entire parliamentary mandate, which is planned until the second half of next year.
(Vijesti.ba)
