Italy Seeks Stronger Red Sea Naval Force as Houthi Advances Threaten Shipping

Italy's defence minister has urged a reinforced naval presence in the Red Sea to safeguard merchant shipping, as Houthi advances along Yemen's coast heighten risks to one of the world's busiest maritime corridors.

Guido Crosetto, a senior ally of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, said more vessels were required to secure the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a narrow passage that links Asian markets to Europe via the Suez Canal. "After what I said, something moved within Aspides, but we need more ships," he said, adding that Italy and Greece were the only nations genuinely contributing to security efforts. He did not specify how many vessels would be necessary.

The strait, just 18 miles (29 km) wide at its narrowest point, has become increasingly perilous as the Iran-backed Houthis make rapid gains along the Red Sea coast. The broader region also includes the Strait of Hormuz, where traffic had already fallen amid the U.S.-Iran conflict.

On Thursday, Rome announced it was preparing a naval mission in the area, saying it could not wait for the European Union to respond to the emerging crisis. Crosetto said the decision reflected a desire to avoid delays caused by "European bureaucracy," warning that inaction could worsen the situation. Italy participates in the EU's Aspides mission, launched in 2024 to protect shipping from Houthi attacks, but has not detailed what assets it might deploy.

The economic stakes are considerable. According to commodities data firm Kpler, petroleum volumes passing through Bab el-Mandeb accounted for about 7% of global oil output in June. Assarmatori, a leading association of Italian shipowners, said roughly 40% of Italy's trade with the rest of the world moves through the Suez Canal.

Assarmatori President Stefano Messina welcomed Crosetto's stance, saying it aligned with long-standing calls from shipowners. He noted that the Italian Navy, which has demonstrated expertise and readiness in the region, can operate while awaiting EU decisions on the Aspides mission.