Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni criticized the U.S.-Israeli operation against Iran, warning of a crisis in international law and regional destabilization.
International System in Crisis
In the context of an international system crisis where threats are increasingly alarming and unilateral interventions are conducted outside international law, we must also include the American and Israeli intervention against the Iranian regime, stated Meloni in Italy’s upper parliament while presenting the government’s report on the Middle East war. According to her, “we face an obvious crisis of international law and the erosion of a jointly agreed world order.”
Destabilization and Russia’s Invasion
Meloni then referenced Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine since 2022. This is a clear turning point: an anomaly consisting of an invasion of a neighboring country by a permanent UN Security Council member—the very body that should be the first guarantor of international law. The resulting global destabilization has also had consequences in the Middle East, she said.
Criticism of Iran
Regarding the U.S.-Israeli operation against Iran that began February 28, Meloni emphasized that “we cannot allow an ayatollah regime possessing nuclear weapons to soon be in a position to strike directly at Italy and Europe.” This is not a government that is a partner in decisions made by others, nor an isolated government in Europe or one responsible for the economic consequences the crisis may cause for citizens and enterprises, clarified Meloni.
Italy’s Position
The Prime Minister emphasized that Italy is not participating in and does not intend to join the U.S.-Israeli operation. We are not at war and do not wish to enter one, she announced. She also explained that no request has been received from U.S. authorities to use American bases for the current operation. In case of such a request, the government would have to decide, but the decision would belong to parliament, she clarified, adding that no request has been received to date.
School Attack in Iran
Meloni also referenced the attack on a school in Iran’s Minab city, where over 160 people, mostly children, died. She expressed conviction that those responsible for this massacre must be identified and civilian safety protected.
Italy-Israel Talks on Lebanon
The Italian Prime Minister also discussed the situation in Lebanon, where Israel is attacking positions of the pro-Iranian Hezbollah, describing it as delicate. She explained that she spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, conveying Italy’s opposition to any escalation while recognizing Israel’s right to defend itself against attacks. More than 1,000 Italian soldiers are stationed in Lebanon as part of the UNIFIL mission. Their security must be guaranteed at all times; we reiterate our appeal to Israel on this matter, she added.
Fuel Price Increases
In connection with recent fuel price increases, Meloni stated: I want to convey to Italy, and also to those who might want to enrich themselves at the expense of citizens and enterprises, the following message: I advise caution. We will do everything in our power to prevent speculation on the crisis, including, if necessary, recovering profits from speculation through higher taxation of companies responsible for it.
