Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni arrived in Doha for a two-day diplomatic mission aimed at reinforcing Italy’s relationship with Gulf nations and securing critical energy resources disrupted by the war in Iran. Meeting with Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Meloni discussed measures to mitigate the energy shock caused by the conflict and explored diplomatic efforts to end hostilities. She emphasized Italy’s readiness to contribute to rebuilding Qatar’s energy infrastructure and highlighted the strategic importance of Italy’s ties with the Gulf.
Meloni, the first European Union and NATO leader to visit the region since the conflict began in February, previously met with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Their discussions included defensive aid, efforts to mediate the war, and securing passage through the Strait of Hormuz to stabilize energy supplies. The effective closure of the strait and escalating regional tensions have caused oil and gas prices to surge, raising concerns about potential economic fallout in Italy and globally. Meloni also recently visited Algeria to boost gas imports from North Africa.
During her Gulf tour, Meloni reaffirmed Italy’s ongoing investment in the region, including projects led by state-backed energy company ENI SpA. She noted that Italy’s dispatch of aerial defenses to Gulf nations targeted by Iran was intended primarily to protect tens of thousands of Italians living in the area. “The trip is an act of solidarity toward friendly nations, but it clearly also has the aim of ensuring Italy’s energy supplies that are necessary,” she said.
Despite her outreach, Meloni maintained a measured stance toward the United States, avoiding overt condemnation of the war while stressing that defending Italy’s national interests sometimes requires disagreement. “Europe does not have much to gain from a rift with the United States. However, our job is above all to defend our national interests, and when we disagree, we must say so, and this time, we do not agree,” she stated, signaling a careful balance between alliance loyalty and national priorities.
