Italy's Supreme Defense Council: Italy is not and will not participate in war in Iran

Italy's Supreme Defense Council, under the leadership of President Sergio Mattarella, declared on March 13, 2026, that Italy is not and will not participate in the war in Iran. During a meeting at the Quirinal Palace, which was attended by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the body invoked Article 11 of the Italian Constitution, which states the rejection of war as a means of offending the freedom of other nations. The Council expressed deep concern over the destabilizing effects of the crisis in the Middle East, emphasizing the need to seek solutions through negotiation and diplomacy. Supreme Defense Council noted that de-escalating tensions in the region remains a priority. Article 11 of the Italian Constitution, enacted after World War II, states that the country rejects war as an instrument of aggression against the freedom of other peoples and as a means of settling international disputes. Italy's defense doctrine has been based on this foundation since 1948, which has repeatedly determined the nature of the country's involvement in foreign missions, limiting it mainly to peacekeeping and stabilization operations under the auspices of the UN or NATO.

In the official statement following the deliberations, attacks targeting civilians were condemned, citing the recent strike on a school in the Iranian city of Minab as a tragic example. Italian officials warned of the risk of the conflict expanding through Iran, which could open the door for actions of a hybrid warfare nature and lead to serious terrorist threats. The Council also called on Israel to exercise restraint and refrain from reactions that could worsen the already tense situation in Lebanon. „Grave preoccupazione per lo scenario di crisi in Medio Oriente” (Deep concern over the crisis scenario in the Middle East) — Supreme Defense Council via ANSA

Despite declarations of non-involvement in direct military actions, the Council approved the possibility of allied forces using Italian military infrastructure. However, this decision is subject to strict conditions: the provision of bases can only occur within the framework of existing international agreements and must not imply Italy's direct participation in the conflict. The final document emphasizes that any actions taken from Italian territory must comply with international law and the country's existing defense commitments. 11 (article) — number of the constitutional clause guaranteeing Italy's wartime neutrality Course of the Supreme Defense Council meeting: March 13, morning — Start of deliberations; March 13, noon — Analysis of the situation in Iran; March 13, 12:30 — Publication of the position