Rome, March 18 (QNA) - Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto has affirmed that dispatching vessels to the Strait of Hormuz is not possible, adding that Italy is not participating in this war, nor is any other European state.

In remarks Wednesday, Crosetto said this is not "our war" and the collective interest is to avoid entanglement of the Strait of Hormuz in it.

He said an international agreement is needed and that Italy would be extremely pleased if a mission could bring the entire world together to ensure the passage of energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.

Crosetto underlined that, nevertheless, it is not possible to send ships on an operation that could be interpreted as participation in a war rather than ensuring a passage of peace, explaining that a mission under United Nations auspices with the participation and consent of all countries of the world would mean working within a comprehensive security framework because ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz is a global public good.

He added that the reduction of high energy prices would be immediate thereafter, noting that Italy is taking, in this matter specifically, measures through the large companies it owns and has taken the same actions with Venezuela, with African channels, and with Asian partners such as Indonesia to cover any shortfall that may arise from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump recently urged NATO countries to contribute to assisting Washington in securing navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, warning that the alliance could face a very bad future if the allies did not take that step. (QNA)