Italy is grappling with the fallout from the recent U.S. And Israeli strikes against Iran, a move that has sparked debate within the country’s political landscape. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni remained silent for several days before affirming Italy’s non-belligerent stance and stating a desire to avoid direct involvement in the conflict. This position aligns with that of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who has likewise resisted allowing the use of U.S. Bases on Spanish territory.
The decision to refrain from offering support for military action has been largely welcomed by Italy’s center-left opposition. However, former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, leader of the center-party Italia Viva and a well-informed observer of Gulf affairs, has voiced a dissenting opinion. The development underscores the complex geopolitical considerations facing European nations as tensions escalate in the Middle East.
Renzi criticized Sánchez’s approach, arguing that opposing the United States is unwise, particularly given recent attacks on Cyprus by Iranian-backed groups like Hezbollah. “I do not agree with Pedro’s position,” he stated. “Yesterday, in Parliament, I strongly attacked Giorgia Meloni; the Italian government is incapable of taking a serious stance. But, at the same time, I do not believe This proves intelligent to attack the U.S. When the ayatollahs and Hezbollah are attacking Cyprus.”
He acknowledged concerns about the Trump administration, referencing issues like ICE policies and tariffs, but cautioned against what he described as Sánchez’s “populist” stance. “I also favor peace, but if they attack Cyprus, it means they are attacking Europe,” Renzi added.
Regarding the Spanish position of defending Cyprus without directly participating in attacks on Iran, Renzi countered that the situation demands a broader perspective. He argued that the strikes against Iran were justified, citing the plight of Iranian women. “I think of the Iranian girls; I have never seen freedom in Iran in my 50 years. So if a space opens up for freedom, I am happy,” he said. “But even if you do not agree with the attack on Iran, when Hezbollah reaches Europe with a missile or the Iranians attack our friends in the Gulf, you cannot turn away, saying that we are neutral.”
Renzi expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the U.S. Approach, referencing the experience in Afghanistan, where significant resources and time were spent with limited long-term success. However, he maintained that the removal of the current Iranian leadership could contribute to peace in the region. “I am against the Peace Board as a private instrument,” he said, referring to a peace initiative led by former President Trump. “I would have liked it to be, in quotation marks, public, institutional. But it is not chaired by the president of the U.S., but by Trump, who when he returns home will still be the president of the Peace Board.”
He questioned the validity of Trump’s claims regarding Iran’s nuclear capabilities, noting the former president’s tendency to shift positions. “If I listen to Trump, I have to believe everything and the opposite. I do not follow Trump’s words, he changes constantly,” Renzi stated. “I limit myself to considering the facts: today the ayatollah is no longer there. The antipathy towards Trump does not prevent me from wanting to liberate Iranian women.”
Renzi also criticized Meloni’s leadership, characterizing her as an “influencer” who prioritizes public opinion polls over decisive action. He contrasted this with the need for a firm stance, particularly given Italy’s historical relationship with the United States. “Italy is a free country also thanks to the Americans. So I do not accept a reconstruction of history made only for Instagram. I am aware of the historical responsibility that my country has.”
He acknowledged the complexities of the situation in the Middle East, drawing parallels to the 2003 invasion of Iraq and the subsequent intervention in Libya. “The intervention in Iraq was a mistake. But the most wrong was that of Libya. In 2011, [Nicolas] Sarkozy and [David] Cameron did it in agreement with the Americans, but against the interests of the countries of the Mediterranean, starting with Italy, which was not able to react.”
Renzi highlighted the contrast between the situation in Iran and that of other countries in the region, such as Saudi Arabia, which he believes are undergoing positive reforms. “The countries of the Gulf have shown changes in recent years, they have undertaken a process of reforms, that is why Iran attacks them,” he explained. “Instead, Iran is the center of terrorism; destroying the centers of terrorism is something positive for me.”
He concluded by reiterating his belief that a shift in leadership in Iran could pave the way for a more peaceful future in the region, including progress towards a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. “I believe that the destruction of the ayatollahs contributes to peace in Gaza, to peace in the Middle East and to peace against Islamic terrorism,” Renzi said. “We need the reformists to win against the fanatics. And this is good for everyone, also for Europeans.”
