The Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Maria Tripodi, participated, on behalf of Minister Tajani, in the extraordinary Foreign Affairs Council meeting with the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The meeting provided an opportunity to take stock of the situation with partners in the region, which has been the target of Iranian retaliatory actions following the escalation triggered by the attacks by the United States and Israel. In her speech, the Undersecretary expressed Italy’s full solidarity with the countries affected by the conflict and thanked the local Authorities for their assistance in repatriating Italian nationals.
During the meeting, the Ministers discussed the serious damage caused by recent Iranian attacks against GCC states, which targeted civilian infrastructure — including oil facilities, essential services and residential areas — putting the safety of civilians at risk. They agreed to intensify joint diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions.
Italy negotiated and supported the adoption of a joint EU-GCC declaration aimed at reaffirming Europe’s full solidarity with its Gulf partners and stressing the urgent need for a rapid de-escalation of tensions throughout the region, including the situation in Lebanon, while reiterating its commitment to regional stability, the protection of civilians and full respect for international law, humanitarian law and the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.
Particular attention was paid to the risks associated with a possible closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic hub through which more than 20 million barrels of oil pass every day, accounting for around one fifth of global consumption and 25% of crude oil transported by sea. It was also highlighted that the global energy system is now better prepared than in previous crises, thanks to high stock levels and greater production resilience. For Italy, which is characterised by highly diversified oil imports and a predominant share of gas supplied via pipeline, the main risk concerns the impact on prices rather than the physical availability of supplies.
