Italy joined global mission in Strait of Hormuz, deploying a minesweeper to safeguard oil route
JAKARTA – Italy is preparing up to four naval vessels, including two minesweepers, to join an international mission aimed at clearing and securing the Strait of Hormuz.
Italian Navy Chief of Staff Giuseppe Berutti Bergotto said the contingency plan includes two minesweepers, one escort ship, and one logistics vessel.
“The emergency plan drawn up by the Chief of Defence Staff includes a group consisting of two minesweepers, an escort ship, and a logistics vessel,” Bergotto told RAI, as reported by Reuters.
He stressed that Italy will act as part of an international coalition. “Clearly we are not acting alone. We are part of an international coalition, and other countries will also send minesweepers,” he said, noting that the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands have similar capabilities.
The plan follows a meeting of European leaders in Paris discussing multinational efforts to secure shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz, which were disrupted amid the US Israel conflict with Iran.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital passage through which around 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies pass. Several countries have already expressed readiness to join the security mission.
Bergotto said Italian ships will depart from the port of La Spezia and will take around four weeks to reach the area. Italy currently operates eight active minesweepers.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said the government will seek parliamentary approval before authorising Italy’s participation in the mission. (DH/LM)
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