Iran: von der Leyen blames Tehran for the crisis. Italy: “UN humanitarian corridor in the Strait of Hormuz”

Brussels – According to Ursula von der Leyen, the current energy and economic crisis is entirely Iran’s fault. Because, in her own words, “Iran’s words and actions are jeopardising global economic stability.” This statement by the President of the European Commission demonstrates a “clear-cut” stance alongside the US, in the face of a complex issue that would merit consideration and action of a different nature. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, without any hint of propaganda, is instead launching an initiative to discuss practical measures with partners to reopen the Strait of Hormuz: a move to which Italy is ready to contribute. 

During the video conference organised by the United Kingdom to discuss the ongoing war and the resulting crisis, the Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, argued for the need to work with the UN to establish a “humanitarian corridor” as soon as possible for the transit of goods, primarily fertilisers and anything else required for preventing a new food crisis in African nations, which Europeans fear in particular. This approach has found support from the Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates. It would be a first step, useful for avoiding paralysis and relaunching diplomatic action that is more necessary than ever, given that—as Tajani’s message states—the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz has a direct impact on the security of maritime routes, global energy supplies and food security. 

 https://www.eunews.it/en/2026/03/16/ukraine-iran-and-relations-with-the-us-eu-struggles-to-forge-a-foreign%e2%80%91policy-line/

It is precisely for this reason that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working with its European partners towards an immediate de-escalation and a return to diplomatic dialogue, emphasising the central importance of full coordination with European and international partners and the need to support any negotiated solution capable of ensuring stability in the region. Italy is ready to take action and play an active, constructive role in ensuring the safe passage of ships through the Strait, provided that this is under a “clear United Nations mandate.” 

It is not just a question of energy. Around 20 per cent of the world’s supply of oil, LNG and jet fuel passes through the Strait of Hormuz: a closure would have systemic effects on prices, which are already rising sharply. For Italy, in this context, a prolonged blockage in the Strait of Hormuz, compounded by the critical situation in the Red Sea, risks exacerbating the logistics crisis, with repercussions on the competitiveness of the port system and maritime transport. Hence the sense of urgency for a pragmatic solution to counter hasty, ill-considered statements that do little to persuade Tehran to come to the negotiating table. 

Iran’s “actions” are not actions; if anything, they are reactions to military attacks suffered. And this must be said without in any way excusing a despotic and bloodthirsty regime. Von der Leyen, however, seems instead to be shifting the blame onto the Iranian regime for the consequences of a reckless war triggered by the United States and Israel, against which she has yet to utter a single word. If the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz are unstable, at least this time, the cause and responsibility should be sought elsewhere. The European Union therefore appears to be led by a leader who is no longer a leader, who, in order to curry favour with partners who are no longer partners, continues to inflict humiliations (see the agreement on tariffs) and to engage in self-humiliation (see the controversial tweet today).

Fortunately, the Member States are managing to rein in the Berlaymont lady to try and find real solutions.