Italy's Supreme Defense Council: Diplomacy is the only path on Iran

Italy's Supreme Defense Council declared on March 13, 2026, that the country remains fully committed to a diplomatic and negotiated solution to the crisis in Iran. During a meeting at the Quirinal Palace, attended by President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the body unequivocally advocated for a peaceful path. The Council invoked Article 11 of the Italian Constitution, emphasizing that the state does not participate in acts of war. This decision was made amid rising tensions in the Middle East region, which require a coordinated response from the government and the head of state. The Supreme Defense Council is a constitutional advisory body to the President of Italy on matters of national security and defense. Its role gains importance during international crises, when Italy must balance its alliance commitments with the constitutional prohibition of aggression. Article 11, adopted after World War II, forms the foundation of Italian foreign policy based on multilateralism and international law.

A key point of the deliberations was the approval of the possibility for allied forces to use military installations located on Italian territory. The Council stipulated, however, that the provision of bases could only occur under the strict condition of compliance with existing international agreements. Members of the Consiglio Supremo di Difesa noted that all actions must fall within the legal frameworks established by the treaties to which Italy is a signatory. This position aims to safeguard the country's sovereignty while fulfilling obligations within collective security structures. Consultations on Iran (March 2026): March 12 — Talks with the opposition; March 13 — Council meeting

The Council meeting was preceded by a series of political consultations that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni conducted on March 12, 2026, with representatives of all opposition groups. The talks aimed to develop a common political stance towards the escalation of the situation in Iran. During the meetings, the leader of the Democratic Party, Elly Schlein, formulated specific expectations for the head of government. She called on the Prime Minister to tone down her rhetoric and work closely with President Mattarella to avoid uncontrolled military involvement. . „Schlein a Meloni, ascolti Mattarella e abbassi i toni” (Schlein to Meloni: listen to Mattarella and lower the tone) — Elly Schlein via ANSA