Ankara: Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on Monday held separate phone calls with his counterparts from Qatar, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia to discuss the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran and its potential repercussions on regional stability and energy security.
According to Anadolu Agency, statements issued by the Italian Foreign Ministry highlighted Tajani's growing concern over the economic consequences of a wider conflict, particularly the potential disruption of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passageway where nearly 20 million barrels of oil are transported daily.
The discussions also addressed the economic effects of military operations throughout the region, with Tajani emphasizing the significance of exports to Italy's economy, which accounts for 40% of the country's GDP. During his conversation with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Tajani reiterated Italy's support for diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions. Al Thani shared information about the dangers faced by approximately 10,000 international technicians working on offshore oil platforms due to potential military clashes.
In a separate call with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, Tajani was briefed on the current operational status of oil export points in the Strait of Hormuz. Tajani praised Iraq's moderate position and expressed hope that Baghdad would encourage Tehran to return to the negotiating table on the nuclear issue.
Tajani also spoke with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. The two ministers discussed the potential economic impact of the conflict and highlighted the risks to international oil infrastructure and maritime security in the Gulf region, stressing the need to ensure the safety of Italian and international technicians working in oil facilities.
The ongoing crisis in Gaza was also covered, with all parties agreeing on the urgent need for a ceasefire, the resumption of humanitarian aid, and the protection of Palestinian civilians, according to statements.
Meanwhile, Tajani called on Israel to resume dialogue through negotiations and urged Iran to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open. He announced via X that he held separate phone calls with the foreign ministers of Israel and Iran, who have been in conflict since June 13.
"The Italian government once again calls on the parties involved in the conflict to return to dialogue. I asked the Iranian Foreign Minister to continue ensuring the safety of Italian nationals in the region. We are working to restart negotiations," Tajani stated. He reaffirmed Italy's opposition to military-oriented nuclear research in Iran and emphasized the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open.
In his conversation with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, Tajani highlighted the importance of resuming dialogue through negotiations and requested continued safety measures for Italian citizens in Israel. He affirmed Italy's commitment to protecting Israeli diplomatic missions and Jewish places of worship in Italy and to preventing potential attack risks, while also pledging to intensify efforts to assist the civilian population in Gaza.
Regional tensions have escalated since Friday, when Israel launched coordinated airstrikes on multiple sites across Iran, including military and nuclear facilities, prompting Tehran to launch retaliatory strikes. Israeli authorities reported at least 24 people killed and hundreds injured in Iranian missile attacks since Friday, while Iran reported at least 224 people killed and over 1,000 others wounded in the Israeli assault.