Meloni: Italy will not join Middle East war

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that Italy will not take part in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East following the US and Israeli attacks on Iran. Speaking before the Senate ahead of the upcoming EU Leaders’ Summit, Meloni emphasized that Rome is not involved in the military intervention and has no intention of entering the war.

Italy rejects military involvement

Addressing lawmakers, Meloni said the world is facing one of the most complex international crises of recent years. She argued that the global order is experiencing a deep structural crisis and that unilateral military interventions are increasingly taking place outside the boundaries of international law.

Meloni stressed that the US and Israeli intervention against Iran must be assessed within this context, but made clear that Italy is not part of the operation.

“Italy is not participating in this intervention and has no intention of doing so,” Meloni said.

Concerns over Iran’s nuclear program

Meloni also recalled that Italy hosted nuclear negotiations with Iran in Rome in recent years and has maintained diplomatic communication channels with Tehran.

She stressed the importance of ensuring that Iran’s nuclear program remains strictly civilian in nature. Referring to statements from the International Atomic Energy Agency, Meloni noted that Iran had enriched uranium to levels approaching those required for nuclear weapons.

Meloni warned that allowing a regime with advanced missile capabilities and potential nuclear weapons would pose a direct threat to Europe and could trigger a wider nuclear arms race.

Strong condemnation of Minab attack

During her speech, Meloni also condemned the attack on a girls’ primary school in the southern Iranian city of Minab.

“While military actions by the United States and Israel aim to neutralize Iran’s war capabilities, we must ensure that the safety of civilians, especially children, is protected,” she said.

“On behalf of the government, I strongly condemn the massacre of schoolgirls in Minab in southern Iran. I express solidarity with the families of the young victims and call for those responsible for this tragedy to be identified swiftly.”

US bases and regional developments

Meloni also addressed public debate over US military bases in Italy. She said the bases operate under agreements dating back to 1954 and are limited to logistical and non-combat operations unless further authorization is granted.

The Italian leader added that about 25,000 Italian citizens have been evacuated from the Middle East since the beginning of the crisis.

Warning over Lebanon tensions

Meloni noted that the situation in Lebanon remains highly sensitive. She said Italy continues to support stability in the country, where more than 1,000 Italian troops serve within the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

She stressed that the safety of UN peacekeepers must be guaranteed and warned against any escalation that could further destabilize the region.

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