Italian PM Meloni consults opposition on Iran and Middle East escalation

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni held a series of telephone consultations with leaders of opposition parties to discuss escalating tensions in Iran and the Middle East. The head of government spoke directly with Elly Schlein, secretary of the Democratic Party, and Giuseppe Conte, president of the Five Star Movement. During the talks, Giorgia Meloni declared full readiness to provide the opposition with current information on the situation in the region whenever necessary. This initiative followed a period of sharp political clashes, during which the prime minister accused her opponents of aggressive attitudes towards the government.

Reactions from opposition leaders to the prime minister's gesture were restrained and included criticism of the governing camp's previous style of public debate. Elly Schlein called on the head of government to change her rhetoric and follow in the footsteps of President Sergio Mattarella, who appeals for the easing of internal disputes. . „Schlein a Meloni, ascolti Mattarella e abbassi i toni” (Schlein to Meloni: Listen to Mattarella and lower the tone) — Elly Schlein via ANSA Meanwhile, Giuseppe Conte reacted sceptically to the proposal for formal meetings at the government headquarters, seeing them as an image-building exercise. . „La passarella a Chigi non serve” (The catwalk at Chigi is not needed) — Giuseppe Conte via ANSA

The direct reason for the sudden consultations was a radical change in the international situation following attacks on Iran, which Giorgia Meloni assessed in parliament as violating the global order. Palazzo Chigi is trying to develop a common national position on the crisis, despite the prime minister's earlier accusations that the opposition responded to appeals for unity with insults. The situation in the Middle East became a flashpoint in Italy's domestic politics after Giorgia Meloni publicly criticised US and Israeli military actions against Iran on 11 March 2026. The prime minister assessed at the time that these attacks went beyond the framework of international law, sparking a broad discussion about the independence of Italian foreign policy. Earlier, on 12 March, Meloni accused the opposition of aggressively reacting to proposals for cooperation, deepening the polarisation between the government and centre-left leaders.

Escalation of tension and consultations in Rome: 11 March — Criticism of military actions; 12 March — Accusations of lack of unity; 12 March — Telephone consultations; 13 March — Response from opposition leaders