ROME — Iran has publicly accused Italy of taking part in the U.S.-Israeli “aggression” against the country, using comments by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to support its claims despite Rome’s repeated insistence that it only authorized logistical activities, not combat operations.
Why it matters: The episode illustrates how public remarks by alliance leaders can quickly become part of broader diplomatic and information battles.
- For Italy, it also comes as the government seeks to preserve a channel of dialogue with Tehran while defending its own account of the events.
Zoom in: Tehran targets Italy. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqei wrote on X that Italy and Romania were “explicitly named” by the NATO secretary general as participants in the aggression against Iran.
- He argued that the two countries, along with other European states that supported what he called the “American-Israeli aggression,” should explain “to their citizens and the world” why they had chosen to “collude in this blatant act of aggression.”
Reality check. Rome has consistently rejected any suggestion that it took part in military operations against Iran.
- The Italian government, via Ministry of Defence, already explained authorizations granted to the United States covered logistical activities under existing bilateral agreements, not combat missions or the use of Italian bases for attacks against Iran.
- That distinction now sits at the center of the diplomatic dispute.
The diplomatic track. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said he spoke by phone with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, reiterating that “Italy has never taken part in any military initiative and has never authorized the use of its bases for acts of war against Iran,” while acting “in the strictest compliance with the treaties with the United States.”
- Tajani also urged Iran to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz to allow the passage of Italian cargo ships still blocked there.
- He added that the reopening of Italy’s embassy in Tehran is “a strong signal of dialogue,” including with a view to restoring economic and cultural relations.
Between the lines: The sequence of events highlights how Rutte’s public reference to individual allies was quickly incorporated into Tehran’s diplomatic messaging.
- At the same time, Italy has sought to reinforce its longstanding distinction between logistical support and direct military involvement, while keeping diplomatic engagement with Iran focused on practical issues such as maritime navigation and the restoration of bilateral ties.
The bottom line: Tehran has turned Rutte’s remarks into a public accusation against Italy, while Rome is responding on two fronts: defending its account of its role and trying to preserve diplomatic channels with Iran.
