Crosetto: 'We approach two minesweepers in Hormuz but wait for peace'. Tajani: "We are not asking for a new operation"

"I will clear the field of misunderstandings,' began Antonio Tajani, outlining Italy's diplomatic position, 'We do not want to ask to authorise a new military mission in the Gulf but to share the government's commitment to peace and the path that could lead to our engagement in the international coalition. Commitment, I stress, only after the definitive cessation of hostilities'.

The concept was then reiterated by Crosetto, when he took the floor. 'A new military mission,' the Defence Minister reiterated, 'envisages first a real truce, then a legal framework and finally the authorisation of Parliament'. Crosetto explained how 'the truce appears fragile and precarious, it is essential to maintain a serious and responsible agreement both with our international allies and in the relationship between government and parliament'. 'We are moving, that is, I would like it to be clear, within the prerogatives attributed to the Minister of Defence,' he continued, 'within the framework of military missions abroad, which have already been authorised by parliament. Therefore, even if there was no obligation, we felt it was our duty to share with you with the utmost transparency, in full respect for the institutions, the assessments and prudential measures that the government is progressively preparing in line with what has been taking shape internationally in recent weeks".

"The shared objective," continued the Defence Minister, "remains that of fostering, as quickly as possible, through coordinated action by the international community, a return to conditions of stability and normality in maritime navigation in the Hormuz area.

"Today," Crosetto explained, "40 countries are considering contributing to making the Strait of Hormuz passable as soon as conditions permit. As many as 24 of these countries have already expressed their willingness in principle to participate with highly specialised assets, useful, for example, in removing the mines currently present in that stretch of sea, the location and number of which no one knows, nor even the Iranians themselves. Overall, among others, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Spain, the Netherlands, Norway, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand have all already said they are willing to provide significant operational capabilities'.

"Others,' Crosetto clarified, 'are considering doing the same. A picture that confirms the coordinated multinational nature of the effort. To give a few concrete examples, Belgium will continue with two mine-hunting units, Estonia with a mine-hunting unit, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands will provide personnel specialised in underwater and mine-neutralisation activities, France has already pre-positioned two frigates and two mine-carrying units in the Red Sea along with its aircraft carrier, making available additional assets already in the region. Germany will contribute minesweepers and support units, Norway will deploy specialised mine systems, the United Kingdom is deploying a destroyer, support unit and minesweepers, Spain has made available a minesweeper and a frigate, the latter already operating in the area, and Slovakia will make available amphibious capabilities. Parallel to this initiative, the United States is promoting a further one, called 'Maritime Freedom Construct', to consolidate diplomatic and military intelligence activities related to maritime security in the area. It is a matter," the Defence chief recalled, "of separate initiatives at the moment, but they will necessarily have to exchange information and coordinate".

'A credible agreement,' Tajani stressed for his part, 'must lead to the full navigability of Hormuz, which cannot be held hostage by force or tolls. Italia is ready to do its part. At Italia's instigation Kallas reiterated the idea of the reinforcement of Aspides. In Hormuz we are ready to contribute to mine clearance and guarantee freedom of navigation within the framework of the multilateral mission that will be launched. No ship,' the foreign minister then assured, 'will be committed to Hormuz without the OK of parliament and none of our military personnel will be deployed in a theatre without security and a precise international legal framework'.

"The only way forward," the foreign minister recalled, "is through dialogue and diplomacy. We have been saying this since the beginning of the crisis and we are saying it again today: Tehran cannot equip itself with nuclear weapons or missile systems that can threaten the region". "The regime is the one that repressed its young people and is still doing so today with executions. The regime has attacked all the Gulf countries. We sympathise with the Emirates for the attacks these days. I also spoke about this with Rubio, reiterating the centrality of the transatlantic link. To him,' Tajani continued, 'I confirmed our country's support for the negotiations in Pakistan. The negotiations must continue and the opportunity must not be wasted: I said this forcefully to the Iranian minister Araghchi. Iran must negotiate in good faith and flexibility to cooperate with the IAA and re-establish relations with the Gulf countries. I also said this to the Chinese minister'.

"A lasting peace in the Middle East cannot disregard the stability of Lebanon. Italia,' the head of the Farnesina clarified, 'supports the Israel-Lebanon dialogue mediated by the US. And we are ready to host direct talks, as I told Aoun. Rubio and the European ministers have encouraged us for an Italian role in strengthening Lebanese statehood'.

"I reiterate," said Tajani, "the government's firm condemnation of the law passed by the Knesset to extend the death penalty in Israel. The law must be withdrawn. It is discriminatory, gives inhuman and degrading punishment and has no deterrent effect. Life is an absolute value. Our rejection of the death penalty,' Tajani concluded, 'is always and everywhere