Saudi Arabia and Italy call in a joint Rome declaration for protection of commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb

Saudi Arabia and Italy called on Wednesday, 29 July 2026 (7 Mordad 1405), in a joint declaration, for the protection of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb and the Red Sea. The declaration followed talks in Rome between Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Italian counterpart, Antonio Tajani.

The two ministers stressed the need to safeguard freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb, the Gulf of Aden and international sea lanes in accordance with international law, and opposed any unilateral action that could restrict maritime transit through the Strait of Hormuz. They also acknowledged the contribution of the European Union's Aspides naval mission, and Italy's role within it, in protecting merchant shipping.

The same declaration condemned Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, including those targeting civilian infrastructure and critical facilities. These waterways carry a large share of the region's oil and gas, and their security is one of the main variables in the risk premium embedded in global energy prices.