The Associated Press
Vice Admiral Maurizio Gemignani of the Italian Navy is visiting the oil-rich Gulf state of Kuwait.
He said Tuesday that he considers the threats Iran has made to close the Strait of Hormuz a "fantasy" and the international passages cannot be blocked.
Iran has warned that it would close the strait if the United States attacks it over Tehran's disputed nuclear program.
About 40 percent of the world's oil passes through the strait.
Three NATO ships arrived in Kuwait on Tuesday to promote military cooperation.