Italian FM: Hormuz blockade - global economic shock - ARTICLE

For Italy, the blockade of Hormuz is not a mere regional crisis, but a global shock destined to affect energy security, industrial competitiveness and international economic balances, as stated in an article by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani published on the website of the country's foreign ministry, according to Report.

This is a particularly significant risk for all countries in the region, but also for an exporting country such as Italy, whose exports account for around 40% of GDP, he noted.

"The Strait of Hormuz, as we know, is a strategic hub of global trade: around 20% of global oil, a quarter of liquefied natural gas exports and a significant share of raw materials essential to international supply chains pass through it. The insecurity of trade routes and rising energy prices have already begun to affect European households and businesses. Despite the slowdown in global trade and the impact of tariffs, in 2025 Italian exports still grew by 3.3%, confirming how essential the stability of maritime routes is to the national economy," he wrote.

Around 30% of global fertiliser exports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, and these are essential for the food security of many vulnerable economies, he added.

The minister also recalled that he maintained contacts with both Washington and Tehran to assist in resolving the situation in the Middle East.

"On the diplomatic front, I have maintained constant contact with my friend, the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, whom I met in Rome in recent days. We agreed on the need to preserve the transatlantic bond and to work jointly for international peace and stability. I also confirmed support for ongoing negotiations in Pakistan, which we consider essential to keeping a diplomatic perspective open.

I have continued dialogue with the Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, stressing the need for Tehran to negotiate in 'good faith' and resume cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, while at the same time rebuilding positive relations with Gulf countries.

In recent weeks, I also travelled to China, where I met Foreign Minister Wang Yi, whom I urged to play a more active role for Beijing in mediating with Tehran," he added.