Antonio Tajani calls for UN reform and diplomatic resolution with Iran at General Assembly

Address to the 81st General Assembly

Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani represented Italy at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, taking the podium after Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni decided not to attend. Tajani argued that the international order established after the Second World War is failing under the weight of mounting global crises. He pointed out that while Meloni noted 56 active armed conflicts worldwide during her address in 2025, that count has now reached 61. Tajani urged structural reform to ensure the UN Security Council does not operate as an exclusive club. He also reaffirmed Italy's ongoing diplomatic campaign to secure a universal moratorium on the death penalty.

“The United Nations was founded to prevent violence from becoming the only law. But to remain faithful to that mission, it must regain the ability to decide and, above all, to act.”

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Middle East security and Iran

In his assembly speech, Tajani focused heavily on regional security in the Middle East and maritime trade corridors. He demanded the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea. Tajani also called for a halt to Russian strikes targeting Ukrainian grain exports bound for Africa through the Black Sea. Speaking on the sidelines of the UN session, he described Iran's remarks to the assembly as excessively harsh and urged Tehran to moderate its tone. He stated that Italy is pursuing diplomatic solutions but maintained that Iran cannot acquire nuclear weapons.

“The Strait of Hormuz must reopen. In the Gulf we must relaunch dialogue and ask Iran to abandon every nuclear threat and every aggressive policy toward other countries in the region.”

Hybrid threats and relations with Russia

In an address to the UN Security Council on 23 September 2026, Tajani raised concerns over the risks posed by Russian hybrid operations across Europe. He expressed Italy's direct solidarity with Germany following security incidents at Leipzig airport, while stating that Italy is not at war with Russia. Tajani subsequently dismissed claims regarding an imminent Russian drone threat against European territory following direct consultations in Rome. He noted that while Moscow conducts cyber operations, hybrid warfare, and election interference, an attack against NATO would lead to Russia's defeat.

“I spoke this morning with Minister Crosetto, these reports have no foundation.”

Diplomatic engagements and US agreement

Tajani concluded his visit to New York with a series of bilateral meetings with foreign counterparts, describing the mission as productive. He confirmed that Italy signed a formal cooperation agreement with the United States on the sidelines of the assembly. Tajani stated that Italian diplomats are working to encourage dialogue between Washington and Tehran toward a diplomatic resolution. Speaking to Alexander Jakhnagiev of Agenzia Vista, Tajani noted broad international interest in Italian mediation efforts. He referenced connected crises spanning Ukraine, the Middle East, the Gulf, Sudan, and the Sahel as key priorities for ongoing Italian engagement.