Italy’s Meloni calls on Iran to help 'prevent the expansion' of conflict in Middle East

Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni urged Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to help avoid escalating tensions in the Middle East during a phone call, according to a statement from her government.

Meloni stressed the importance of preventing the conflict in Gaza from spreading, particularly to Lebanon. She encouraged her counterpart to de-escalate and return to dialogue, the statement said.

Meloni also reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region, emphasising the necessity of a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of captives being held there.