Italian PM Meloni: No EU Country Plans Troops to Break Iran's Strait of Hormuz Blockade

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that no European Union country currently plans to send troops to the Middle East to break Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing diplomacy over military action.

Meloni said European allies are not discussing the use of force and should not be seen as parties to the conflict. She rejected interpretations that a recent joint statement by Italy, Britain, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Japan -- backed by Canada -- signaled support for a military mission during current hostilities. The statement focused on guaranteeing freedom of navigation after the fighting ends, with the agreement of all sides, and tied any future European role to maritime security and safe commercial passage, not combat operations.

Several European governments have publicly ruled out joining military operations to reopen the strait while active fighting continues. France has said it would not take part in such operations during hostilities, while Poland and Spain have also rejected sending forces.

The European Union's naval focus remains on existing missions such as Aspides in the Red Sea, with senior officials indicating no appetite to expand that mandate to the Strait of Hormuz. European diplomacy has centered on de-escalation, civilian protection, crisis management, talks with regional partners and possible post-conflict arrangements to secure commercial shipping lanes.

The Strait of Hormuz has emerged as a central flashpoint in the conflict with Iran, where shipping security, oil prices and regional stability are closely linked. European capitals fear direct intervention now could deepen the conflict, further harm energy markets and reduce chances for a negotiated settlement. Meloni's remarks underscore Europe's priority on preserving freedom of navigation through diplomacy, leaving any maritime role for a later stage with broader international consensus.