Iran Crisis: Minister Crosetto Accuses US and Israel of Violating International Law

Official Rome is adopting an increasingly distanced stance towards the military actions conducted by the United States and Israel against Iran. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto directly formulated the accusation, claiming the allies acted outside the framework of international law, which constitutes a rare case of such open criticism within NATO structures from a key partner. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani simultaneously emphasized that the Italian Republic is not at war with any state, and the priority remains a diplomatic path to de-escalation. Tajani expressed deep concern over Iran's lack of concessions on the nuclear program and the growing risk of the conflict spreading across the entire Middle East region, which threatens global security. The rules of armed intervention in international law are based on the United Nations Charter, which permits the use of force only in self-defense or based on a UN Security Council mandate, a point of contention in transatlantic relations for years. The internal political situation in Italy is becoming as tense as the diplomatic one. Opposition leaders, including Elly Schlein of the Democratic Party and Giuseppe Conte of the Five Star Movement, firmly oppose making Italian military installations available for attacks they believe violate the constitution. Conte accused Prime Minister Meloni of delaying her appearance in parliament, which was perceived as an attempt to avoid responsibility for the direction of foreign policy. In response to these accusations, Minister Luca Ciriani announced that the head of government will present an official report to the chambers on March 11th. Controversial MEP Roberto Vannacci also joined the debate, declaring his readiness for military service in case of reservist mobilization, reflecting the increasingly strong polarization of public sentiment in the shadow of the looming war threat. Italy hosts key US bases on its territory, such as Sigonella in Sicily and Aviano, which since the Cold War have formed the foundation of NATO's southern flank and a strategic transit point to the Middle East. Simultaneously, the conflict is generating effects beyond the military sphere, impacting the economy and maritime logistics. In Greece, maritime transport sector trade unions announced a solidarity strike with sailors operating in dangerous Middle Eastern regions, paralyzing local ports. The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs activated a special crisis unit to monitor the safety of citizens and diplomatic missions. The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, called for maintaining communication channels with Tehran, pointing to the critical situation in the Strait of Hormuz. Despite the diplomatic efforts of Prime Minister Meloni, who consulted steps with French President Emmanuel Macron, Italy faces a dilemma between loyalty to Washington and the protection of its own national interests and legal order.