Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni Embarks on Surprise Gulf Tour to Secure Energy Supplies and Regional Stability

Prime Minister Meloni undertook a surprise two-day tour of the Gulf region.

She was the first EU, G20, and NATO leader to visit since the conflict began.

Al Jazeera

The visit was kept secret due to security concerns, with only the President briefed.

Italian government sources said the trip would reaffirm Italy's support in the face of Iranian attacks.

Energy security was the central focus of the talks.

Italy imports about 15% of its oil from GCC states.

Al Jazeera

The Strait of Hormuz closure blocks about 20% of global oil trade.

Meloni offered Italy’s readiness to rehabilitate damaged infrastructure.

Intelligence services strongly advised against the trip.

The leaders also discussed regional security and the impact of the conflict on global stability.

“Breaking News Click to pause breaking news tickerpause-simpleClose Breaking News Tickerclose-prominent Israeli strike on south Lebanon kills Lebanese Army soldierIran claims new downing of US planes, helicoptersTrump vows to hit Iran's power plants, bridges if Hormuz Strait remains closed Click to pause breaking news tickerpause-simpleClose Breaking News Tickerclose-prominent”

Al Jazeera

Italy has sent air-defense aid to the Gulf states.

Meloni emphasized the importance of the Gulf for European security.

The trip occurred as the military campaign entered its sixth week.

The trip reflects domestic pressures in Italy due to skyrocketing energy prices.

Meloni’s government allocated nearly €900 million to slash fuel taxes.

Al-Bawaba Al-Shorouk

Only 27% of Americans approved the US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

Italian and Qatari leaders stressed the need for political dialogue.