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Italy is preparing for a possible naval mission to protect Italian merchant ships in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, as security concerns mount following the Iran-aligned Houthis' seizure of parts of Yemen's coast overlooking the strategic waterway, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said Thursday.

Crosetto said he and Italy's chief of defense staff had agreed to activate the navy and prepare "whatever is necessary" to guarantee the safe passage of Italian vessels.

"We cannot allow bureaucratic delays in decision-making to aggravate an already complex situation, with direct consequences for our economy and the lives of our citizens," Crosetto said.

The Houthis' control of parts of Yemen's coast has raised fears for shipping in the Red Sea, including over Saudi oil exports that have been rerouted from the Strait of Hormuz amid the conflict with Iran.

Crosetto did not specify what measures Italy was considering or which naval assets could be deployed.