Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani issued a strong condemnation of the latest Iranian attacks that struck Bahrain and Kuwait in recent hours, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The minister extended the full solidarity of the Italian government to both countries and stressed the need to avoid any escalation that could jeopardize recently reached agreements. Tajani added that Italy remains committed to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and to achieving peace and stability across the Middle East in the shortest possible time.
The statement released on June 28 built upon an earlier telephone conversation between Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Kuwait’s Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Italian government reported in May. During that call Meloni expressed solidarity with Kuwait over what it described as unjustified Iranian attacks and received the Amir’s thanks for Italian-supplied defense systems. The two leaders agreed on the importance of upholding freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international law while exploring ways to resolve the wider Gulf crisis.
Bilateral discussions have also emphasized economic cooperation, with both sides confirming their intent to expand mutual investments in sectors of shared interest, according to the Italian government statement. A defense cooperation agreement between Italy and Kuwait, signed in Rome on January 13, 2026, received formal approval through decree law number 60 of 2026, the Kuwaiti official gazette reported. The pact facilitates exchange of military expertise, training programs and information technology collaboration to benefit both nations.
Italian companies have deepened defense industry ties with Kuwait, the Ministry of Defense noted in related announcements. Leonardo signed a contract valued at approximately 320 million euros to supply combat management systems, 76-millimeter Super Rapid guns with guided munitions and Kronos Naval radars for Kuwaiti offshore patrol vessels, according to company statements. These systems will equip vessels built by Abu Dhabi Ship Building, further integrating Italian technology into Kuwait’s naval capabilities.
The reaffirmation of support for secure maritime routes holds particular importance for Italy’s energy security, Confitarma president Mario Zanetti stated in a September 2026 position paper. In 2025 Italy imported roughly 14.3 million tonnes of energy products from Persian Gulf countries, accounting for over 13 percent of the country’s total energy imports, all of which arrived by sea, the maritime industry association reported. Zanetti called for possible deployment of Italian naval units in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz to protect merchant traffic and maintain open sea lanes.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has consistently framed Kuwait as a strategic partner within the broader Gulf region, highlighting political, economic and cultural links developed over decades. Ambassador Lorenzo Morini, in separate remarks carried by Italian diplomatic channels, described the GCC countries as essential for regional stability, trade and investment. These positions align with Italy’s participation in EU naval operations aimed at safeguarding commercial shipping in adjacent waters such as the Red Sea.
Further cooperation opportunities were discussed during Tajani’s meeting with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Al Sabah, the ministry added. The talks addressed the Middle East crisis, the Hormuz blockade risks and ways to strengthen economic and political relations while appreciating Kuwait’s mediating role in containing escalation. Italy also thanked Kuwait for joining the Rome Coalition on fertilizer access and food security through the strait.
