Between early April and mid-May 2026, the Italian government’s actions were characterized by a series of official statements aimed at balancing relations with U.S. allies and safeguarding the security of Italian troops abroad.

The beginning of April was marked by serious concern over stability on the Lebanese front. Following the landing of a rocket near the UNIFIL base in Shama, Defense Minister Guido Crosetto and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemned the incident, emphasizing that “blue helmets must never be a target” and reiterating the need to stop aggressive actions against the military personnel of the international mission. At this stage, the government maintained a cautious stance on the economic front as well: in mid-April, the debate focused on the energy repercussions of the Gulf crisis, with the executive branch working to manage fuel policies to mitigate the nation’s exposure to risks stemming from tensions between Washington and Tehran.

A turning point in the diplomatic standoff occurred on May 8, 2026, during U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Rome. During the bilateral meeting at Palazzo Chigi, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni clarified Rome’s position regarding U.S. pressure, stating: “We understand how important the transatlantic relationship is, but we also understand how necessary it is for each country to defend its own national interests, and therefore Italy defends its own national interests.” Regarding possible participation in securing the Strait of Hormuz, the Prime Minister specified that she had “reiterated Italy’s willingness to deploy the Navy once a stable ceasefire is reached, for mine clearance and to ensure freedom of navigation.” At the end of the meeting, Rubio himself acknowledged the value of Italian mediation, stating that “Italy can do more to contribute to resolving the situation in Lebanon, given its expertise and presence on the ground,” and expressing hope for a strengthening of the strategic partnership.

The series of statements concluded on May 13, 2026, with Minister Tajani’s hearing before the joint Foreign Affairs and Defense Committees of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate. The head of Italian diplomacy formalized the policy of non-intervention in the conflict, asserting: “We are not here to ask for authorization for a new military mission in the Gulf. Rather, the intent is to share with Parliament the Government’s commitment to peace.”

Finally, Tajani made any future operational steps contingent on international security conditions, clearly emphasizing that any participation in the international coalition for freedom of navigation can only take place after hostilities have definitively ceased.