Guido Crosetto, Italy’s defense minister, said on Thursday, 26 Shahrivar, that this country is preparing to protect Italian commercial vessels in the Bab al-Mandab Strait and will not wait for a decision by the European Union’s naval mission, Aspides, for their passage.

Crosetto said that he has reached an agreement with the head of Italy’s defense staff to prepare “whatever is necessary” to ensure the safe passage of Italian vessels. He added that Italy’s navy and the intelligence systems of its armed forces can support the safe passage of these ships.

Crosetto added that disruption to main shipping routes could increase transportation costs, delay the delivery of goods, and lead to higher prices for families and businesses. He said that nearly 90% of cargo transportation is carried out by sea.

He also warned about the vulnerability of underwater infrastructure, including data transmission cables and energy transmission lines, and emphasized the need to protect them.