As the Iran war continues to affect West Asia, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni made an unexpected visit to the Gulf region on Friday. She arrived in Jeddah, a key Red Sea port city in Saudi Arabia. According to sources, her visit aims to strengthen Italy’s energy security. She is the first leader from the European Union and NATO to visit the region since the war began on February 28.

Focus on Energy and Regional Ties

Sources said Meloni plans to meet officials from Saudi Arabia. She may also hold talks with leaders from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, although her visits to these countries are not yet confirmed.

All three nations have faced Iranian drone and missile attacks during the conflict. “The aim is to strengthen relations with these countries and repeat Italy’s support against Iranian attacks,” a source said. “The mission is also aimed at strengthening national energy security,” the source added, calling the Gulf a “crucial source of oil and gas for Italy”.

Italy Watches Energy Prices Closely

Italy depends heavily on imported energy. Rising oil and gas prices have increased concerns in the country. To control fuel costs, the government has already reduced fuel excise taxes until May 1. Earlier, on March 25, Meloni visited Algeria. The country already supplies about 30 percent of Italy’s natural gas. She aimed to increase imports further.

Balancing Relations with US and Europe

Meloni maintains close ties with Donald Trump. She has often tried to bridge differences between Europe and the United States. However, she has made it clear that Italy does not want to join the war, despite pressure from the US. “I continue to believe that, geopolitically, Europe does not have much to gain from a widening gap with the United States,” she said. “But our job is above all to defend our national interests, and when we disagree, we have to say so. And this time we do not agree,” she added.

Strait of Hormuz Remains Key Concern

Meanwhile, Trump has asked countries affected by Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz to take action and reopen the route. Before the war, this waterway handled nearly 25 percent of global seaborne oil trade and about 20 percent of liquefied natural gas supplies. Any disruption to this route could impact global energy markets and Europe’s energy security.