Italy Prepares Minehunters for Potential Strait of Hormuz Mission

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto announced that Italy is preparing to deploy two mine-hunting ships near the Bosphorus as a precautionary measure for a potential mission in the Strait of Hormuz. This preparation follows reports of a conflict involving US and Israeli attacks on Iran. Crosetto stated that if peace is achieved, it would take approximately one month for allied troops to reach the Gulf. Currently, the vessels are slated for initial involvement in EU-led operations in the Red Sea, such as Operation Aspides. The Minister highlighted that forty countries are considering contributions to clear mines in the Strait, emphasizing the need for a legitimate international legal framework and consent from all regional parties, including Iran, to avoid escalation. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani clarified that Italy does not seek new military authorizations but remains committed to peace and potential coalition participation only after hostilities definitively end. The Italian government must secure parliamentary approval for any deployment. Meanwhile, opposition lawmakers criticized the government for lacking clarity on defense agreements with Israel.