Italy is preparing to deploy a naval mission to the Red Sea region, stating it cannot await a European Union response to the escalating crisis threatening commercial shipping. This move follows calls by Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto for a
stronger naval presence to protect merchant vessels, particularly amid growing concerns over transit through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The region is witnessing rapid developments, as Houthi forces have made significant advances on Yemen's Red Sea coast in recent weeks. This situation
has added new complexity to shipping routes in an area that also includes the Strait of Hormuz, where navigation has already been curtailed due to regional tensions. Crosetto told Reuters that "after what I said, something moved in Aspides, but we
need more ships." He added that "the only two countries that are truly supporting (security efforts) are Italy and Greece," declining to specify the number of vessels needed to fully secure the area. Italy participates in the EU's "Aspides" naval
operation, launched in 2024 to protect ships from Houthi attacks. This Italian focus underscores the strategic importance of the region. Kepler, a commodity data and analytics firm, reported that the volume of oil transiting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait accounted for approximately
7 percent of global production in June. Furthermore, Assarmatori, a major association representing Italian shipowners, stated that about 40 percent of Italy's trade with the rest of the world passes through the Suez Canal. Crosetto previously explained that Rome decided to
deploy its own naval forces because it did not want "European bureaucracy" to hinder its response, warning that delays could further exacerbate the situation. However, Rome has not disclosed specific details regarding the measures it intends to take or the
nature of the naval assets it might send to the region.
