Edward Marchesi The Red Sea has returned to the forefront of international attention following growing threats to maritime traffic. Approximately forty percent of Italian trade flows through this strait, and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz would have severe repercussions on both the Italian and European economies. To address this risk, Operation Aspides was approved by Parliament with a strictly defensive mandate , aimed at protecting ships in transit without initiating hostilities against Yemeni rebels.
Request for reinforcements from Brussels and the role of the EU
The Ministry of Defense , led by Guido Crosetto, has sent an urgent letter to the High Representative of the European Union, Kaja Kallas, requesting the strengthening of the Aspides Mission . The letter proposes two options: either other member states provide additional naval units, or Italy intervenes alone, adding up to four additional frigates.
In the latter scenario, the costs would be borne by the Union, a premise repeatedly reiterated by the Defense Minister. Kallas, after receiving the communication, confirmed his willingness to issue an information note to member states, hoping to accelerate the inclusion of additional European shipping lanes.
Italian political reactions
Antonio Tajani, Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, has repeatedly emphasized that Italy's intervention is purely defensive . In an interview with La7, he explained: " We are absolutely not going to war ," adding that Italian ships are operating within the framework of the EU's Aspides mission , with the aim of protecting merchant ships in the event of an attack. Tajani also reiterated that trade accounts for between 30 and 40 percent of the national GDP, making the protection of maritime routes essential for the country's interests.
Houthi messages of detente and recent incidents
Meanwhile, the Yemeni Houthi militia has issued statements denying any intention of involving Italy in a conflict. Muhammad Mansur, spokesman for the Houthi Ministry of Information in Sana'a, declared that their "armed resistance against Saudi aggression is legitimate" and that "we are not at war with Italy." The same tone was echoed by Asr al-Din Amer, deputy head of the Media Authority, who emphasized the absence of hostile intentions toward the country. Despite this, last week an Italian military aircraft was hit during an attack on the Saudi base in Taif, causing no casualties among Italian troops.
Field operations and evaluations
Chief of the Defense Staff Luciano Portolano and Joint Force Commander Giovanni Maria Iannucci have been tasked with preparing a report on possible operational options, from strengthening anti-drone systems to evaluating a possible withdrawal. Recent attacks on a fuel depot at Riyadh airport and oil facilities in Yanbu have increased the perception of vulnerability, prompting the government to consider deploying additional naval units. Italy has already committed two frigates to the mission, with the Carlo Bergamini having begun escorting the merchant ship "Jolly Oro" in the Strait of Bab el-Mandeb.
Economic implications and future prospects
The Italian government remains firm on the need to protect merchant ships transporting goods from the Mediterranean to Asian markets. With 30-40 percent of GDP dependent on exports, a prolonged disruption in the Red Sea would significantly damage the entire European economy. Italy is ready to deploy at least two additional frigates, but insists that the European Union share the costs. Tajani concluded by stating that Parliament will be promptly informed of any developments and that Italy's presence in the area will not be reduced until the safety of our merchant ships is guaranteed.