Rome: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced that Italy is not participating in the US-Israeli military strikes against Iran and has no intention of entering the war. Addressing the Senate, she described the conflict as ‘one of the most complex crises in recent decades,’ highlighting the necessity for serious action.

According to Anadolu Agency, Meloni emphasized that Italy’s stance remains neutral as the US-Israeli operation is conducted ‘outside the framework of international law.’ She criticized it as part of ‘an evident crisis of international law and the collapse of a shared world order.’ Despite this, she acknowledged the perceived threat of Iran’s military ambitions to Europe, expressing concern over the possibility of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons and missile capabilities that could target Europe, including Italy.

The Prime Minister firmly condemned the killing of civilians in Iran, notably referring to the deadly attack on a school in Minab. She expressed Italy’s commitment to diplomacy in collaboration with European partners, but noted the challenges faced due to ongoing Iranian attacks.

Meloni revealed that Italy had coordinated with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to assess the crisis and align national responses. Furthermore, Italy is providing air defense assets to Gulf countries to protect Italian citizens and troops stationed in the region, a move consistent with actions taken by other European nations. Rome has also dispatched a naval unit to Cyprus to support a European partner affected by an Iranian strike, an act she described as necessary for European solidarity and prevention.

Regarding Lebanon, Meloni highlighted the ‘delicate’ situation and urged Israel to ensure the safety of Italian troops involved in the UN peacekeeping mission there, underscoring the importance of their protection.