Government monitors fallout from US and Israeli strikes on Iran
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni chaired a high-level security meeting at Palazzo Chigi on Saturday evening as tensions surged across the Middle East following US and Israeli strikes on Iran and retaliatory missile fire by Tehran.
According to a statement released on the government website, Meloni is “closely following developments in the Middle East” and has been coordinating Italy’s response with senior ministers and intelligence chiefs.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, Undersecretary Alfredo Mantovano, and, via telephone link, Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, and Undersecretary Giovanbattista Fazzolari. The heads of Italy’s intelligence services were also present.
Call for stability and solidarity with Iranian civilians
“As in the past, the government will continue to work with its European, regional and international partners to find a solution that promotes stability in the region,” the statement said.
At the same time, Rome reiterated “its solidarity with the Iranian civilian population, which has courageously demanded respect for its civil and political rights in recent weeks,” a reference to ongoing unrest inside Iran.
Earlier on Saturday, Meloni held telephone conversations with the British and German leaders and spoke with several Gulf heads of government, as part of diplomatic efforts to contain the escalation.
The US and Israeli strikes triggered a missile barrage from Tehran that forced residents to seek shelter in multiple cities across the region. The Italian government said Meloni “expressed solidarity with Gulf leaders and condemned the unjustifiable attacks suffered by their nations”.
Flights suspended, Crosetto stranded in Dubai
The deteriorating security situation has already had practical consequences for Italy. Defence Minister Crosetto was temporarily stranded in Dubai after flights were suspended following the attacks.
Crosetto had travelled on a civilian flight from Rome on Friday evening to join his family, who were already in Dubai on holiday, and had been scheduled to return on Saturday afternoon.
National carrier ITA Airways announced it had suspended flights to and from Dubai until Sunday due to safety concerns.
Diplomatic contacts with Gulf states
Foreign Minister Tajani has also been in contact with his Bahraini counterpart to discuss the latest developments in the context of the Iranian attacks. Italian authorities expressed support for Bahrain and other Gulf partners affected by what Rome described as unprovoked assaults.
Italy has long maintained close economic and energy ties with Gulf countries, while also supporting diplomatic efforts to stabilise relations with Iran through European channels.
Heightened alert
While no direct threat to Italy has been reported, the government’s decision to convene intelligence chiefs underlines concern about the wider geopolitical and security implications of the escalation.
Rome’s immediate priorities include safeguarding Italian citizens and military personnel in the region, ensuring the security of energy routes, and supporting coordinated European and international efforts aimed at preventing a broader conflict.
Further diplomatic contacts are expected in the coming days as Italy works with EU and NATO partners to assess the evolving situation.
