Italy has said it can deploy up to four vessels, including two minesweepers, to join a multinational effort to clear the Strait of Hormuz and protect vital shipping lanes. European leaders discussed the plan in Paris following significant disruptions amid regional tensions. Italian ships would depart from La Spezia and are expected to take about four weeks to arrive; parliamentary approval will be sought before any deployment.
Italy Poised to Send Minesweepers to Clear Strait of Hormuz, Navy Chief Says
Ships and boats in the Strait of Hormuz, Musandam, Oman, April 22, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer
Rome — Italy is prepared to deploy up to four vessels, including two minesweepers, to join an international mission to clear mines and protect shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, Navy Chief of Staff Giuseppe Berutti Bergotto told state broadcaster RAI on April 23.
European leaders met in Paris last week to coordinate a multinational effort after the strait experienced major disruptions amid wider regional tensions involving the U.S., Israel and Iran. Around one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas flows through the Strait of Hormuz, making safe passage a global priority.
"The contingency plan drawn up by the Chief of the Defence Staff envisages a group consisting of two minesweepers, an escort vessel and a logistics vessel," Berutti Bergotto said. He added that Italy would participate as part of an international coalition and noted that Britain, France, Belgium and the Netherlands also possess mine-clearing capabilities.
Berutti Bergotto said the Italian ships would sail from the northwestern port of La Spezia and would take about four weeks to reach the area. Italy currently operates eight minesweepers.
Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said the government would seek parliamentary approval before authorising Italy's participation in the mission.
What This Means: If authorised, the Italian contingent would join other nations' mine-clearing forces in an effort to reopen and secure a crucial route for global energy shipments.
Reporting by Angelo Amante; editing by Alvise Armellini.
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