ROME

​​​​​​​Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on Friday urged Israel and Iran to avoid further escalation following the recent Israeli attacks on Iran.

Speaking to Italy's public broadcaster RAI, Tajani said he reminded the need for diplomacy in talks with his Israeli counterpart.

“I will insist on support for diplomacy,” he said. “Our diplomatic action with both Israel and Iran is aimed at avoiding an escalation. This is our political commitment.”

Tajani predicted that Israeli military operations may continue “for a few days,” but expected them to halt “in a reasonably brief period.” He warned, however, that the duration of the attacks could hinge on Iran’s response.

He also reiterated Italy’s call for a prompt resumption of international negotiations aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

Following the interview, Tajani also talked with his Iranian counterpart, stressing the "importance" to avoid military escalation with Israel while resuming negotiations and diplomacy "as soon as possible."

"It is absolutely crucial for the Italian government to continue working to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East, not least through an immediate cease of military operations in Gaza, that are continuing to affect Palestinian civilian population in an unacceptable way," he wrote on X.

Following Israeli strikes on nuclear and military targets inside Iran, Tajani convened a crisis unit meeting at the Foreign Ministry with ambassadors from the region. He later reassured the public about the safety of Italian nationals in the Gulf, saying there were currently “no problems” for Italians in either Iran or Israel.

The ministry has issued warnings to Italian citizens registered in Iran and advised against all nonessential travel to the region.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, monitoring the crisis “with the utmost attention,” convened a videoconference meeting Friday with key ministers and intelligence officials to assess developments.