Tajani convenes meetings on Lebanon and on food security and fertilisers in light of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz

Pending a possible breakthrough in negotiations between the United States and Iran, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, held a series of meetings at the Farnesina aimed at strengthening prospects for a negotiated outcome in the region. On Lebanon, in parallel with the US-mediated talks between Jerusalem and Beirut, Italy is engaging with the United Nations and partners participating in UNIFIL to explore a new pathway for the country's stabilisation. In the post-UNIFIL phase (the UN mission is due to conclude at the end of 2026), Italy is considering forms of support for peace initiatives, including by strengthening the capacities of the Lebanese state and armed forces.

As regards the impact of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and pending a positive development in the US-Iran impasse, the Minister proposed enhancing international coordination to safeguard flows of energy and fertilisers, which are essential for the economic and social stability of Europe and Africa. Tomorrow, the Minister will co-chair, together with the Croatian Minister of Foreign Affairs (in his capacity as rotating President of the MED9) and the Director-General of the FAO, a ministerial meeting with over 40 countries and regional and international organisations - including the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the League of Arab States - to strengthen political coordination on food security and access to fertilisers through the Strait.