Baku, June 13, AZERTAC
Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Friday he urged Israel to avoid further escalation following its recent attacks on Iran, emphasizing the need for diplomacy in talks with his Israeli counterpart, Anadolu Agency reports.
Speaking to Italy's public broadcaster RAI, Tajani said he will deliver the same message to Iran’s foreign minister in a separate call. “I will insist on support for diplomacy,” he said. “Our diplomatic action with both Israel and Iran is aimed at avoiding an escalation. This is our political commitment.”
Tajani predicted that Israeli military operations may continue “for a few days,” but expected them to halt “in a reasonably brief period.” He warned, however, that the duration of the attacks could hinge on Iran’s response.
Following Israeli strikes on nuclear and military targets inside Iran, Tajani convened a crisis unit meeting at the foreign ministry with ambassadors from the region. He later reassured the public about the safety of Italian nationals in the Gulf, stating there were currently “no problems” for Italians in either Iran or Israel.
The foreign ministry has issued warnings to Italian citizens registered in Iran and advised against all nonessential travel to the region.
Tajani also reiterated Italy’s call for a prompt resumption of international negotiations aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, monitoring the crisis “with the utmost attention,” convened a videoconference meeting Friday with key ministers and intelligence officials to assess developments.