As the war in the Middle East intensifies, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has reaffirmed her government’s commitment to doing “everything possible” to promote a diplomatic initiative and encourage the parties to return to dialogue. The conflict, triggered by American and Israeli operations against Iran, has sparked widespread concern across Europe, with many countries, including Italy, scrambling to respond to the crisis.
Meloni took to social media to assure the public that her government is working tirelessly to address the situation, and that coordination efforts with key European partners, such as France, Germany, and the UK, are underway. A call in the E4 format, which was reportedly requested by Rome, was held to discuss the situation and potential ways forward. The meeting provided an opportunity for the leaders to exchange information, assess the risks of escalation, and evaluate the impact of the conflict on regional stability.
According to sources, Meloni also spoke with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to express Italian solidarity following a recent missile attack and to discuss the evolving regional situation. The conversation highlighted the importance of cooperation between Italy and Turkey, which are strategic partners and NATO allies. The Italian government is keenly aware of the potential risks and consequences of the conflict, particularly for neighboring European countries.
The E4 call, which included leaders from Italy, France, Germany, and the UK, focused on the global implications of the crisis and the need for coordinated action to promote diplomacy and military coordination. The leaders condemned Iran’s attacks but avoided direct criticism of the US and Israel, instead emphasizing the importance of pragmatism and concreteness in addressing the situation. The call also covered issues such as coordination on the Strait of Hormuz and concerns about the situation in Lebanon.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has maintained a cautious stance on the issue, reiterating that Italy’s position is aligned with the European one. However, Defense Minister Guido Crosetto has been more forthright, stating that the intervention in Iran was “outside international law.” The Italian government has sought to balance its relationships with key partners, including the US, while also promoting a diplomatic solution to the conflict.
As the situation continues to unfold, the Italian government remains committed to supporting any initiative that could lead to a return to diplomacy. The prime minister has assured that diplomatic relations with Iran have not been interrupted, despite the transfer of the Italian embassy to Azerbaijan. The government is working closely with its main partners and allies to support repatriation operations from the Gulf and to manage the crisis. For more information, click here.