Italy rules out Hormuz mission despite reported naval moves

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said on Monday that no mission in the Strait of Hormuz was currently underway, despite reports of naval movements in the region, distinguishing between routine repositioning and direct deployment to the strategic chokepoint. "It's one thing to bring the ships closer together and another to direct them directly towards Hormuz," Crosetto told ANSA news agency.

Crosetto added that any deployment specifically linked to the strait would require a new parliamentary mandate, noting that discussions on the issue would begin in parliament on Wednesday. Such a mission would need a truce, legal framework, and formal authorization before proceeding, he said, emphasizing that moving naval assets closer to the region does not constitute a Hormuz mission and could instead form part of existing operational mandates.

Regional conflict background

The US and Israel launched strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, prompting Iranian retaliation against Israel and Gulf allies and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, before a ceasefire took effect on April 8 through Pakistani mediation. Talks in Islamabad have since failed to produce a lasting agreement, though US President Donald Trump extended the truce without a set deadline.

On Sunday, Iran sent Pakistan its response to a US proposal for ending the war, but Trump dismissed it as "totally unacceptable," according to diplomatic sources. The Italian comments came as European nations continue consultations on maritime security following the two-month conflict that has disrupted global shipping through the strategic waterway.