Domestic Policy
Parliament: In the midst of the escalation in the Middle East, with Iran also threatening Cyprus and Turkey, the Italian government calls for de-escalation and focuses on protecting Italians in the region. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni rules out involvement in war and will address Parliament on 11 March. Defence Minister Crosetto, speaking before Parliament, acknowledges that the attack by the United States and Israel on Iran “was outside the rules of international law”. Parliament approves the deployment of defence systems and support for Gulf partners and Cyprus, while limiting the use of Italian bases. Foreign Minister Tajani reports over 100,000 Italians in at-risk zones and temporarily closes the embassy in Tehran.
Justice: Ahead of the referendum on 22–23 March, Antonio Tajani calls on Forza Italia to commit fully, fearing that the war in the Middle East may distract public opinion and disadvantage the Yes camp. Polls indicate the No side is leading with low turnout, while the Yes side would only have a chance if participation exceeds 50%. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni urges voters in favour of separating judicial careers to mobilise and will take part in Fratelli d’Italia’s final campaign event on 12 March.
Foreign Policy
Europe: Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and French President Emmanuel Macron, despite strained relations, held a telephone conversation in which they agreed on the need for European coordination in response to the Iranian crisis. Cyprus is considered the most exposed point, and a substantial military deployment involving France, Greece, the United Kingdom, Italy and Spain is concentrated around the island. Security of shipping routes in the Red Sea and the Suez Canal is the primary concern. Meloni reaffirms the NATO framework and confirms continued support for Ukraine. France and Italy are also monitoring rising tensions in Lebanon and the risk of regional destabilisation.
Strait of Hormuz: The Strait of Hormuz has become one of the most dangerous areas in the world: it has been declared a zone of military operations, and hundreds of vessels are reported to be blocked. Insurance premiums for transit have increased up to twelvefold. President Trump promises guarantees and reduced insurance rates, but operators remain cautious. The blockade threatens global energy supplies: QatarEnergy has suspended some LNG deliveries to Edison, and the effects are spreading through logistics chains, while some carriers are applying surcharges. China, fearing shortages, has restricted fuel exports.
Economy and Finance
Energy: The conflict in the Middle East is beginning to impact fuel prices. Petrol has exceeded €1.70 per litre, and diesel has reached its highest levels since March 2024. Consumers and businesses are reporting possible speculation, and the government has decided to intervene: a meeting of the Rapid Alert Commission on prices is scheduled for today. Meanwhile, international energy prices are rising again: Brent crude has surpassed $84 per barrel, and gas has exceeded €50 per megawatt-hour. Meanwhile, a new issue has emerged concerning semiconductors: supplies from Qatar, the world’s second-largest producer of helium—essential for their manufacture—could be affected by the crisis.
Former Ilva: At the summit at Palazzo Chigi concerning the former Ilva, American investor Michael Flacks confirmed his commitment to continuing negotiations for the acquisition, despite the ruling by the Milan Court requiring a review of the environmental conditions set out in the Integrated Environmental Authorisation (AIA). However, the commissioners of Acciaierie d’Italia have judged the plan “on some points not yet fully satisfactory” and will send a letter requesting clarification, particularly regarding the industrial partner, financial guarantees and ETS costs.