In light of the worrying maritime security situation in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, Confitarma, the Italian shipowners' association, has urged the government to strengthen the national maritime presence and surveillance system in the crisis-affected areas, including the possible deployment of Italian Navy units to protect freedom of navigation and merchant shipping safety. According to a statement from the shipowners, such a presence would help to improve safety conditions for commercial vessels and their crews while also sending a clear signal of concern for the country's strategic interests and the stability of international shipping lanes.