Italian PM Meloni Ends Gulf Tour on Energy Crisis

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni concluded a two-day tour of Gulf nations on Saturday, meeting leaders in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates to address the energy crisis triggered by the ongoing conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran. The unannounced trip, which began in Jeddah on Friday, marked the first visit to the region by a leader from the European Union or NATO since the war erupted on February 28.

Meloni's itinerary included discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Doha, and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi. The talks centered on restoring energy supplies disrupted by Iran's partial blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route that handles about 20 percent of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade. Iranian missile and drone strikes on Gulf energy facilities, including Qatar's Ras Laffan Industrial City, have damaged infrastructure and reduced export capacities, exacerbating global supply shortages.

According to a statement from Meloni's office, she offered Italy's technical expertise to rehabilitate affected energy installations...