Italy declares its full solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
In a diplomatic move reflecting the depth of bilateral relations and shared commitment to the stability of the Middle East, the Italian government announced its full solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, strongly condemning the Iranian-backed attacks targeting the Kingdom's territory and vital infrastructure. This firm Italian stance comes within the framework of ongoing international efforts to maintain regional and international security and to reject any armed violations that threaten the sovereignty, stability, and security of states and their citizens.
General context and historical background of the Iranian attacks
The past few years have witnessed a marked and sustained escalation in attacks by Iranian-backed armed militias, particularly the Houthi group in Yemen, against vital civilian and economic targets within Saudi Arabia. Among the most significant of these attacks were the sabotage operations targeting Aramco oil facilities in 2019, which directly and severely impacted global energy supplies and the international economy. International investigations and United Nations reports have repeatedly confirmed Tehran's direct involvement in supplying these militias with explosive-laden drones and advanced ballistic missiles, a blatant violation of international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions, especially the arms embargo.
The importance of the Italian position and its expected regional and international impact
Italy's supportive stance towards the Kingdom is of paramount importance on several political and security levels. Locally and regionally , this solidarity represents strong moral and political support for Saudi Arabia's legitimate right, guaranteed by international law, to defend its territory, citizens, and residents. This position also sends a firm and clear message to armed militias and their state backers, foremost among them Iran, that the international community will not tolerate hostile acts that destabilize the region and threaten civil peace.
Internationally , Italy plays a pivotal and prominent role as an active member of the European Union and the G7. Its official condemnation of these attacks underscores growing global concern about maritime security in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, as well as the need to protect global energy supplies, which are heavily dependent on the stability of the Arabian Gulf region. Any threat to Saudi Arabia's security is considered, in diplomatic and economic terms, a direct threat to the entire global economy, which explains the broad European and international consensus condemning Iran's blatant interference.
Saudi-Italian relations: A firmly established strategic partnership
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Italian Republic share close and longstanding historical and strategic relations encompassing numerous vital areas, most notably the economy, trade, investment, and security and military cooperation. Italy is one of the Kingdom's key trading partners in Europe. This political solidarity reflects Rome's unwavering commitment to protecting its strategic interests in the Arab region and standing shoulder to shoulder with its trusted allies in confronting shared security challenges and combating terrorism in all its forms.
International calls for de-escalation and sustainable peaceful solutions
Italy's strong condemnation coincides with persistent and urgent calls from the United Nations and the international community for de-escalation of military tensions in the Middle East and an immediate return to the political negotiating table. Italy consistently emphasizes in all international forums the importance of diplomatic solutions to complex regional crises, stressing that halting negative foreign interference and the arming and funding of sectarian militias is the first and essential step towards achieving a lasting and comprehensive peace that guarantees the prosperity and development of the region's peoples, free from the ravages of destructive conflicts and wars.
