Meloni Addresses Parliament Amidst Escalating Middle East Crisis
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni addressed Parliament on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, to provide an update on the escalating crisis in the Middle East following recent attacks involving the US and Israel in Iran. The address comes after days of pressure from opposition parties demanding clarity on the government’s position and actions regarding the conflict.
Responding to Opposition Concerns
Meloni spoke first in the Senate around 9:30 a.m. And then in the Chamber of Deputies around 3:00 p.m., adhering to a schedule approved by the Senate’s group leaders. The Prime Minister defended her government against accusations of being complicit in other nations’ decisions, isolated in Europe, or failing to address the potential economic consequences for Italian citizens and businesses. She emphasized the commitment Italy has made to the region, a commitment she stated has been intensified in recent days.
Italy’s Position and Diplomatic Efforts
Meloni reiterated that Italy is not a party to the conflict and does not intend to grow one. However, she acknowledged the potential for the conflict to impact Italy, both internally and economically. The government is actively working to mitigate these potential consequences, with task forces monitoring energy, fuel, and food prices to prevent speculation. In a recent video message, Meloni highlighted ongoing dialogue with France, Germany, and the United Kingdom to coordinate a diplomatic response and avoid further escalation.
Focus on the Strait of Hormuz
A key concern for Italy is the stability of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global energy supplies. The Prime Minister addressed this issue in her parliamentary report, noting that the strait is currently experiencing significantly reduced shipping traffic. Italy is collaborating with the United Kingdom and Germany to develop options for protecting commercial shipping in the region. Work is underway to defend the freedom of transit through Hormuz, according to Italian officials.
Military Deployments and Regional Security
Italy is participating in two existing missions in the area: Operation Aspides, which Italy will assume command of next week with the ship Rizzo, currently operating in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen, and Operation Atalanta, with the ship Bianchi, conducting anti-piracy patrols off the coast of Somalia. These deployments are part of a broader effort to ensure regional security and protect European interests. The Supreme Defense Council will discuss these issues further on Friday.
Upcoming EU Council Meeting
Meloni will also use the parliamentary address to prepare for the upcoming EU Council meeting on March 19 and 20. She intends to advocate for a temporary suspension of the EU’s Emissions Trading System (ETS) mechanism in light of the energy market disruptions caused by the crisis. Meloni emphasized Italy’s commitment to working towards a return to diplomacy and de-escalation in the region.
Italy’s Stance on Dialogue
Despite the challenging circumstances, Italy continues to support any initiative that could lead to a resumption of dialogue between the parties involved. Prime Minister Meloni has stated that the government is working with its partners and allies to achieve this goal.