MILAN — Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni returned from a two-day solo visit to three Gulf states without securing any formal gas or oil supply deals. The trip was aimed at shoring up Italy's gas and oil supply during an ongoing energy crisis.

The visit came as higher energy prices in Italy have been associated with the war on Iran. Meloni made the solo tour of the three Gulf states as Italy faces supply pressures that have pushed up costs for households and businesses.

Roberto D'Alimonte, a professor at the LUISS School of Government, said the Italian public is focused on tangible results. "People want to see their gas bills go down, not just see Meloni talk about gas. What matters are the bills you get every month." he said.

D'Alimonte predicted that Meloni will face a difficult last year and a half of her mandate before elections due in 2027, due largely to the economic impact of the war on Iran. Italy held no formal supply agreements following the Gulf tour.