Necva Tastan Sevinc
16 June 2025•Update: 16 June 2025
ISTANBUL
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on Monday held separate phone calls with his counterparts from Qatar, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia to discuss the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran and its potential repercussions on regional stability and energy security.
According to statements issued by the Italian Foreign Ministry, Tajani underlined Italy’s growing concern over the economic consequences of a wider conflict, particularly the potential disruption of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly 20 million barrels of oil are transported daily.
“The Minister also raised the issue of the economic effects of military operations throughout the region,” the statement said, noting that Tajani highlighted the significance of exports to the Italian economy, which accounts for 40% of the country’s GDP.
During his conversation with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Tajani reiterated Italy’s support for diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions.
Al Thani, for his part, provided information about the dangers that approximately 10,000 international technicians working on offshore oil platforms face as a result of potential military clashes.
In a separate call with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, Tajani was briefed on the current operational status of oil export points in the Strait of Hormuz.
Tajani praised Iraq’s moderate position and expressed hope that Baghdad would encourage Tehran to return to the negotiating table on the nuclear issue.
Tajani also held a phone call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.
The two ministers discussed the potential economic impact of the conflict and highlighted the risks to international oil infrastructure and maritime security in the Gulf region. Tajani emphasized the need to ensure the safety of Italian and international technicians working in oil facilities.
They also covered the ongoing crisis in Gaza. All sides agreed on the urgent need for a ceasefire, the resumption of humanitarian aid, and the protection of Palestinian civilians, according to statements.
- Call on Israel to resume dialogue
Meanwhile, Tajani also called on Israel to resume dialogue through negotiations and urged Iran to both return to the negotiating table and to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open.
Tajani announced via X that he held separate phone calls with the foreign ministers of Israel and Iran, who have been in conflict since June 13.
"The Italian government once again calls on the parties involved in the conflict to return to dialogue. I asked the Iranian Foreign Minister to continue ensuring the safety of Italian nationals in the region. We are working to restart negotiations.
"Italy reaffirms its opposition to military-oriented nuclear research in Iran. Keeping the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passageway for international trade, open is of great importance to us," he said.
In a separate post on his call with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, Tajani said: “I once again emphasized the importance of resuming dialogue through negotiations. I also asked him to continue ensuring the safety of Italian citizens in Israel.
"The government remains committed to protecting Israeli diplomatic missions and Jewish places of worship in Italy and to preventing potential attack risks. Italy will further intensify its efforts to assist the civilian population in Gaza.”
Regional tensions have escalated since Friday, when Israel launched coordinated airstrikes on multiple sites across Iran, including military and nuclear facilities, prompting Tehran to launch retaliatory strikes.
Israeli authorities said that at least 24 people have been killed and hundreds injured in Iranian missile attacks since Friday.
Iran, for its part, said at least 224 people have been killed and over 1,000 others wounded in the Israeli assault.
