Italy Prepares Naval Mission for Red Sea Shipping

Italy is preparing a naval mission to safeguard merchant shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait amid rising security concerns. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto warned that delays could harm the economy and raise consumer prices.

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FILE PHOTO: Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto speaks during a meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon, in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 15, 2026. REUTERS/Ken Cedeno/File Photo

Italy is mobilizing its navy to protect merchant shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said on Thursday morning. The move comes as regional security concerns mount following militant seizures along the coast of Yemen. Protecting maritime lanes is vital to prevent transport costs from driving up inflation for families and businesses.