Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has placed energy security and the stability of the Strait of Hormuz at the centre of her Gulf tour, as escalating regional tensions raise concerns over global supply routes.

During high-level meetings with Gulf leaders, Meloni focused on ensuring the continued flow of energy exports through one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints.

The Strait of Hormuz handles a significant share of global oil and gas shipments, making its security essential to international markets.

The discussions come at a time of heightened uncertainty in the region, with ongoing conflict and strategic competition increasing the risk of disruption to shipping lanes.

Meloni emphasized the importance of cooperation with Gulf partners to maintain open navigation and prevent interruptions that could have far-reaching economic consequences.

Energy diversification and supply stability were also key themes of the visit.

Italy has been actively seeking to strengthen partnerships with energy-producing nations as part of a broader effort to reduce vulnerability to external shocks and ensure reliable access to resources.

The Gulf tour reflects a wider European push to deepen engagement with the region, balancing diplomatic, economic and security considerations.

By reinforcing ties with key partners, Italy aims to contribute to regional stability while advancing its own strategic interests.

Meloni’s outreach highlights the growing importance of coordinated international efforts to safeguard critical infrastructure and trade routes, particularly as geopolitical tensions continue to shape the global energy landscape.

As discussions continue, the focus remains on maintaining stability in the Strait of Hormuz and securing long-term energy cooperation, both of which are seen as vital to global economic resilience.