Italy's premier says international diplomacy should focus on Gaza ceasefire, talks on Iran
Meloni addressed Italy's lower house amid escalating conflict in the Middle East ahead of upcoming European Council
ROME
Italy's priorities are now a ceasefire in Gaza and restarting negotiations on Iran's nuclear plans, Premier Giorgia Meloni said Monday, addressing the lower house of parliament on the escalating conflict in the Middle East ahead of the upcoming European Council.
For Rome “the ceasefire in Gaza and the resumption of negotiations with Iran," remain central, Meloni told lawmakers. “We’re interested in solutions, not speculations,” she said, adding that Tehran should “seize the opportunity” to discuss an agreement with the US on its nuclear program.
The Italian premier reiterated that, even though it started as a legitimate reaction to a “senseless attack,” Israel’s response in Gaza has turned “dramatic and unacceptable.”
Meloni called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and Hamas’s disarmament. Arab states, she argued, must lead Gaza’s reconstruction — with the exclusion of Hamas — aiming at a “full normalization” between Israel and Arab nations under the Abraham Accords.
The Italian premier also warned that the recent US strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites “have further destabilized an already fragile region,” highlighting the serious risks of a nuclear-armed Iran.
“Only coordinated diplomacy can secure peace,” Meloni stressed, noting Italy’s readiness to continue facilitating talks on Iranian nuclear plans.
The Italian leader urged the European Union to prioritize global challenges — from Iran and Gaza to Ukraine, defense spending, and Libya — instead of splitting up on minor internal debates.
“Today more than ever, the EU must concentrate on issues where we can make a global difference together, not on detailed matters that can be better handled nationally,” Meloni said.
Her remarks came ahead of this week’s European Council, and a key NATO summit scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday in The Hague, Netherlands.
Meloni also lamented an “absence of negotiated progress” on Ukraine, pledging Italy’s dual approach, “support for Kyiv and pressure on Moscow.” She praised Ukraine’s readiness for a ceasefire and direct talks, but criticized Russia’s lack of commitment.
Turning to defense spending, Meloni reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to NATO’s new spending framework: 3.5% of national output on military capabilities plus 1.5% on security.
“Without security, prosperity cannot exist,” she said, urging flexibility under the EU’s Stability-and-Growth Pact. “We will not leave Italy exposed or unable to protect its interests.”
