ROME, Friday, March 13, 2026 (WNP): Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni has said her country will not participate in the ongoing war involving Iran, stressing that Rome does not intend to join military operations led by the United States and Israel amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Speaking in parliament and during recent government deliberations, Meloni said Italy is “not and will not participate in the war,” emphasizing the need to prioritize diplomacy and de-escalation in the region.

Italian authorities expressed concern about the widening conflict following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets that began on February 28 and subsequent retaliatory attacks across the region. The officials warned that the crisis could destabilize the Middle East and threaten global energy and security interests.

Meloni also criticized unilateral military interventions and called for adherence to international law, saying the growing use of force without broad international consensus risks undermining global stability.

Despite ruling out direct participation in combat operations, the Italian government said it remains focused on protecting its citizens and military personnel stationed in the region and ensuring the security of strategic partners. Around 2,000 Italian troops are currently deployed across the Middle East as part of existing missions.

Rome has also been taking precautionary measures as tensions escalate, including strengthening defense coordination with European partners and considering adjustments to its military deployments in the region. In recent days, Italy began organizing the return of some troops stationed at its base in Erbil in Iraq’s Kurdistan region after security concerns intensified.

Italian leaders have repeatedly called for dialogue and negotiations to end the conflict, warning that further escalation could lead to broader regional instability, disruptions to global energy supplies, and increased humanitarian suffering.

Meloni reiterated that Italy supports diplomatic initiatives aimed at restoring stability in the Middle East and preventing the conflict from spreading further, while maintaining that Rome’s priority is safeguarding its citizens and contributing to international efforts for peace.