Meloni turns to Gulf as energy risks rise

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has turned to the Gulf in search of stability, meeting Qatar’s emir in Doha as the war on Iran continues to disrupt global energy flows.

The visit is part of a broader regional tour that began in Saudi Arabia and will continue in the United Arab Emirates, reflecting how quickly energy concerns have moved to the centre of European diplomacy. Italy, heavily dependent on imported energy, is feeling the pressure as supply routes tighten and prices rise.

At the heart of the disruption is the Strait of Hormuz, a critical transit route for roughly a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas. Iran’s actions in the waterway have amplified fears of prolonged instability, forcing countries like Italy to look for ways to cushion the impact.

In Doha, Meloni and Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani focused on managing those shocks. According to her office, the talks centred on energy and possible steps to mitigate the fallout.

Meloni also signalled that Italy is willing to play a more active role, saying Rome could “contribute to the rehabilitation of Qatari energy infrastructure, which is essential to energy security on a global scale”.

That offer comes as Qatar itself has been drawn deeper into the conflict. Iranian strikes have targeted its energy sector, including a missile attack on the Ras Laffan Industrial City — the backbone of the country’s gas exports — causing significant damage and raising concerns about supply capacity.

Both sides publicly emphasised de-escalation. The Qatari emir’s office said the leaders “stressed the need to work towards de-escalation” and to prioritise diplomacy as the only viable path to contain the crisis and its economic spillover.

Still, the trip reflects a more immediate calculation. With energy markets under strain, Italy is moving to secure relationships with key suppliers while reinforcing its political alignment in the region.

An Italian government source described the Gulf as a “crucial source of oil and gas for Italy” and framed the visit as part of a broader effort to strengthen ties and support partners facing Iranian attacks.