Statement by Palazzo Chigi on the crisis in the Middle East

The Italian Government continues to follow very closely developments in the Middle East crisis and the risk of further military escalation which could involve all of Iran's territory, with no distinction between strategic, military and civilian targets.

Italy reiterates its firm and resolute condemnation of the Tehran regime's destabilising conduct: from the missile attacks threatening the security of Gulf nations to the repeated acts of intimidation aimed at compromising freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz - a vital artery for the global economy - through to the systematic and brutal internal repression of its own people.

However, it is crucial to draw a clear distinction between the responsibilities of a regime and the fate of millions of ordinary citizens. Iran's civilian population cannot and must not pay the price for its rulers' wrongdoings.

The Italian Government shares the position already stated by the European Union institutions regarding the need to preserve the integrity of civilian infrastructure as well as the safety of the Iranian people, and hopes that a negotiated solution to the crisis can be reached soon.