ROME – The question is a must and, in a day of reversals and dramatic turns, feverish negotiations and missiles, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani does not shy away from it.
Minister, how much concern is there about the Iran-Israel conflict? Is it possible that it will lead to a world war?
«There is great concern. We are certainly not on the eve of a generalized world conflict, but the risk that the war will spread to other areas, to other countries in the Middle East cannot be ruled out. For this reason, we Europeans need to mobilize immediately, asking for the support of the moderate Arab States in the region, which – like us – have an interest in peace for obvious reasons».
You have made many phone calls in recent days, in these hours. Also to the Ministers of Israel and Iran. But what purpose do these contacts serve? There seems to be no great results at the moment.
«The contacts I am having are useful to understand the positions of our allies, of the countries in the region. Only today (yesterday, ed.) I spoke with the Ministers of Iran, Israel, Saudi Arabia, the Emirates, and many others. As Italy, we keep an open channel with both Israel and Iran. We cross-reference information. I had a first positive signal from the Iranian Minister: he told me that Iran has no intention of obstructing commercial traffic in the Strait of Hormuz».
But what is Italy’s objective at this time?
«A goal that Italy would like to achieve is to resume negotiations between the United States and Iran, which is the right way to restart a diplomatic dialogue. The objective is to quickly reach the end of this very dangerous war. We need to bring all responsible countries to influence the opponents to stop the war».
But what is the first information you have had? What is really happening?
«All the countries close to Israel have asked to go back to a political and diplomatic dialogue, but they understand Israel’s reasons: for years Iran has been threatening to wipe it off the map. According to the IAEA, Iran could soon have a nuclear bomb. This is unacceptable to us. The Iranian government must send a signal for peace. The only possible condition is to give up military nuclear power».
How are the many Italians in the area doing? Are there imminent dangers for them?
«There are dangers, in Israel as in Iran, because missiles can fall anywhere. For this reason we have asked all our fellow citizens to follow the instructions given to them by the local authorities in coordination with our Embassies and the Crisis Unit. A convoy will leave Tehran by land to evacuate a first group of our fellow citizens».
A crucial issue is the role that Russia could play, as hoped for also by President Trump in Kananaskis, where the G7 is taking place. Do you think it could be useful to open up to Vladimir Putin in this case?
« I do not think Russia can play a mediating role in this case. It would be important for Putin to sit at the negotiating table to put an end to the attacks on Ukraine».
The opposition is asking for clarity, despite the awareness that this is a tragic moment and no one has a magic wand in their hand: is Israel’s attack legitimate or not? Does Italy support it?
«This is a dramatic and dangerous war, but Israel needs to defend itself, and survive any threat that could put an end to its existence. The sooner the war ends, the better».
Do you believe that the missile push that Israel is giving Iran could bring down Khamenei’s regime?
« The name that the Israelis have given to the operation, “The Rising Lion,” leaves this hypothesis open: the lion was the symbol of the Shah. And the lion holding the sword was in the flag of the old Iran. What is certain is that Israel has declared that its objective is to hit nuclear sites, both ballistic missile and strategic missile sites».
Does President Trump have the strength to re-establish the world order, to bring back peace?
«The US role is fundamental to achieving peace. But not alone. European countries, starting with those of the G7, have the obligation to work together to achieve this goal. The Transatlantic Alliance will always remain a mainstay in our security structure».
Many people criticize the European Union for its absence in foreign policy, for the lack of capacity and ability in cases such as the wars being fought today. Even at the G7 in Canada it is not clear whether it can impose or dictate a policy line. What do you think?
«I think Europe needs to reform its way of taking action, offering its citizens a more decisive instrument in the field of security and defence. In this game, the national States must assign Europe a decisive role. It is useless to say “Europe is absent”: Europe is our home».
Don’t you think there is a risk of attacks in Italy, in such a confused situation? And what is being done to keep the situation under control?
«The risk is always there, but the Minister of the Interior, Matteo Piantedosi, is responsibly following every moment of this international crisis, and foresees – together with the intelligence agencies – the possible consequences on the national territory. The Italian intelligence is very attentive and above all is on alert, like all the police forces and law enforcement agencies. There may be cases of terrorism, but the apparatus is keeping its guard very high. I have also confirmed to Minister Saar our utmost attention to the protection of Israeli diplomatic offices in Italy and Jewish places of worship».
Meanwhile, in Italy another tug-of-war continues, which will not be as tragic as that of the war scenarios, but can affect the stability of the government majority: Salvini is attacking you on the third term of office for Regions’ Governors.
«We can calmly discuss everything with Salvini and with the colleagues of the government majority. Our position is that three terms of office for Regions’ Governors are too many. There is a concentration of powers in the President of a Region that not even the Prime Minister has. Considering the above, however, we are always ready to discuss
