Italy calls for stronger naval presence in Red Sea to protect shipping
by@Reuters
Summary
On September 18, 2026, Italy's Defense Minister Guido Crosetto urged for a stronger naval presence in the Red Sea to safeguard merchant shipping routes that are increasingly threatened by the ongoing Middle East conflict, particularly due to advances by Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen. With about 40% of Italy's global trade passing through the Suez Canal, Crosetto emphasized the urgency of Italy's independent naval mission, criticizing the delays often caused by "European bureaucracy." This decision comes as Italy participates in the EU's Aspides mission, aimed at protecting shipping from Houthi attacks; however, Rome's move to expedite its own naval operations reflects a commitment to immediate action in a critical maritime corridor.
Analysis
Italy: Italy is a European Union member state with significant maritime trade interests routed through the Suez Canal and Red Sea. Its government is responding to heightened threats in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait by preparing enhanced naval deployments to safeguard shipping lanes. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, a close ally of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has publicly advocated for faster action beyond current EU frameworks. Assarmatori: Assarmatori is a leading Italian association representing shipowners and maritime interests. It has welcomed the government's decision to deploy naval resources independently while the EU considers expansions to its Aspides mission. The group notes that the Italian Navy possesses proven expertise for operations in the Red Sea area. Guido Crosetto: Guido Crosetto serves as Italy's Defence Minister and a senior political ally of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. In the current crisis he has called for additional naval assets in the Red Sea to counter Houthi threats and accelerate protection of merchant vessels. Crosetto has highlighted Italy and Greece as the primary nations actively supporting security efforts in the region. Stefano Messina: Stefano Messina is the President of Assarmatori, the main Italian shipowners' association. He endorsed Defence Minister Crosetto's call for immediate naval involvement to protect shipping from Houthi threats. Messina emphasized alignment between the government's actions and long-standing industry requests for enhanced security. Giancarlo Giorgetti: Giancarlo Giorgetti is Italy's Economy Minister responsible for fiscal policy and budget planning. He has warned that geopolitical tensions are driving up the cost of servicing Italy's public debt at an alarming rate. This comes as the government prepares updates to its budget plans for 2027 and beyond. Trade Routes: The Suez Canal and connected waterways remain a critical corridor for Italian global trade flows amid ongoing regional instability. EU Coordination: Italian officials have cited concerns over European bureaucratic delays as a key reason for independent action to safeguard merchant shipping. Red Sea Security: Italy is moving ahead with its own naval mission in the Red Sea rather than awaiting further EU decisions on the Aspides operation.
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macropolitics