Italy denies reports on talks with Iran: Italy govt. official

Italy’s government has denied reports suggesting direct military involvement in the U.S.-led conflict with Iran, emphasizing its commitment to diplomatic solutions and constitutional constraints on war participation. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reiterated that Italy is not at war and has no plans to join military operations, despite deploying air-defense assets to Gulf allies for the protection of Italian citizens and troops stationed in the region.

Meloni criticized the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran as part of a broader trend of "unilateral interventions outside the scope of international law," drawing parallels to the destabilizing effects of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. While advocating for a diplomatic resolution, she stressed that Iran must not develop nuclear weapons, warning of "dramatic repercussions for global security" if Tehran acquires such capabilities.

Domestic political tensions have emerged over the role of U.S. military infrastructure in Italy, including the Sigonella air base and MUOS satellite communications station in Sicily. Opposition lawmakers have questioned whether these facilities indirectly support operations against Iran, prompting calls for parliamentary clarification from Defence Minister Guido Crosetto. The government maintains that U.S. requests to use Italian bases for military actions require parliamentary approval, aligning with constitutional provisions prohibiting war without legislative consent.

Italy has engaged in diplomatic outreach to Qatar and Oman to de-escalate tensions, while reaffirming its stance that dialogue with Iran is conditional on the cessation of attacks in the Gulf. The government also signaled potential regulatory measures against energy market speculation linked to the conflict, underscoring its focus on mitigating economic risks.

As the conflict enters its 12th day, Italy’s position reflects a balancing act between alliance commitments, regional stability, and domestic political pressures to avoid direct military entanglement.