Italy has suspended its defence agreement with Israel, which covers the exchange of military equipment and technology research, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced on Tuesday in Verona. The decision halts the automatic renewal of the pact, which was approved by Israel in 2006 and renewed every five years. The agreement includes cooperation in defence industries, military training, research and development, and information technology.

The move comes as relations between Italy and Israel have become strained following recent Israeli attacks on Lebanon. Although Meloni’s right-wing government has been one of Israel’s closest allies in Europe, it has recently voiced criticism of Israeli military actions. Tensions escalated after Italy accused Israeli forces of firing warning shots at a convoy of Italian peacekeepers in Lebanon, prompting Rome to summon Israel’s ambassador in protest.

In response, Israel summoned Italy’s ambassador after Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemned what he called “unacceptable attacks” on Lebanese civilians. Tajani, who visited Beirut for talks with Lebanese leaders, expressed solidarity with Lebanon following the incidents.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced that her government has decided not to renew its defense agreement with Israel, which is typically renewed every five years. She said the decision was made due to the current situation, though she did not specify what circumstances she was referring to. The announcement was reported by Al Jazeera.

Relations between Rome and Tel Aviv have recently deteriorated. Last week, Israeli forces fired warning shots at a convoy of Italian UN peacekeepers in Lebanon, damaging a vehicle but causing no injuries. Following the incident, Italy summoned Israel’s ambassador in Rome. In response, Israel summoned the Italian ambassador after Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemned Israeli attacks on Lebanese civilians and urged avoiding another escalation like Gaza.

Several European countries have already limited or suspended arms exports to Israel. Italian opposition parties had long demanded similar action, while protests in Italy have criticized the government’s stance on Gaza and its refusal to recognize Palestine. According to SIPRI, Italy ranks third among Israel’s arms suppliers, though its share of Israeli imports from 2021 to 2025 is only 1.3 percent.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced the suspension of Italy’s existing defense agreement with Israel. She made the declaration on Tuesday, April 14, in Verona during a discussion with journalists, describing it as a significant decision in light of current developments.

Meloni expressed concern over the tense situation in the Middle East and emphasized the urgent need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. She stated that keeping this maritime route operational is essential for international navigation and security. The suspension of the defense pact is being viewed as a signal of shifting dynamics in regional politics.

The decision underscores Italy’s cautious stance amid growing instability in the region and highlights its focus on maintaining global maritime security interests.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has sharply criticized U.S. President Donald Trump for his recent verbal attack on Pope Leo XIV. The incident occurred on Sunday night after the Pope criticized Trump’s foreign and immigration policies, prompting the American leader to respond angrily. The exchange has sparked widespread outrage across Italy.

Meloni, who is known as a close political ally of Trump, described his comments about the Pope as unacceptable. She stated that as the head of the Catholic Church, it is natural for the Pope to speak for peace and condemn war. Her public rebuke marks a rare instance of disagreement between the two leaders.

Observers noted that Meloni was the only European leader to attend Trump’s 2025 inauguration, making her criticism particularly significant in the context of their previously close relationship.

Italy’s football leadership has entered turmoil after the national team failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time. Two days after the elimination, Italian Football Federation (FIGC) President Gabriele Gravina announced his resignation, reversing his earlier refusal to step down. Soon after, Gianluigi Buffon, head of Italy’s football delegation and legendary goalkeeper, also resigned, releasing an emotional statement describing his decision as deeply heartfelt. The wave of resignations continued as head coach Gennaro Gattuso left his position as well.

The resignations follow Italy’s penalty shootout loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina, which ended their hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Gravina had led the federation since 2018, during which Italy also missed the 2022 World Cup. Italian media reported that discussions have begun over four potential replacements for Gattuso: Roberto Mancini, Antonio Conte, Massimiliano Allegri, and Pep Guardiola. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Mancini is currently the frontrunner, having guided Italy to the Euro 2020 title.

The series of resignations marks another chapter of instability for Italian football, which continues to face intense criticism following repeated qualification failures.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has called for the establishment of a humanitarian corridor through the Strait of Hormuz to transport fertilizer and other essential goods. The appeal was made via video during a meeting on Iran organized under British coordination, according to reports from Rome. Tajani emphasized that ensuring the movement of fertilizer and humanitarian supplies through the strait is crucial.

The statement noted that Tajani, along with the Dutch minister and the UAE deputy minister, stressed the need to work with the United Nations to establish the corridor as soon as possible. They highlighted the importance of maintaining the flow of fertilizer and other goods to prevent a new food crisis in African countries.

The proposal reflects growing concern about supply disruptions affecting food security in Africa, with Italy urging swift international cooperation to safeguard essential trade routes.

Italy has refused a US request to use a key military base in Sicily for operations in the Middle East. According to a Reuters report published on Tuesday, the Italian government declined to allow US military aircraft to operate from the Sigonella airbase in eastern Sicily. The report noted that several US bombers had planned to land there before heading to the Middle East, though the exact timing of the plan was not specified.

Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera reported that the denial came because the United States had not formally sought permission or informed Italy’s military leadership. Under existing agreements, such authorization is mandatory for the use of US military installations in Italy. The right-wing government led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that any similar requests in the future would require parliamentary approval before being granted.

The decision underscores Italy’s insistence on procedural compliance and parliamentary oversight in foreign military cooperation involving its territory.

A two-day referendum on judicial reform began in Italy on Sunday, marking a crucial political test for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. She has endorsed the proposed changes, arguing they will make the judicial system more independent and efficient. The government’s plan includes separating the roles of judges and prosecutors and revising oversight mechanisms through constitutional amendments.

According to AFP, the referendum is not only part of the reform process but also a measure of Meloni’s leadership and popularity ahead of upcoming elections. Meloni stated in a video message that the reform would modernize the judiciary, ensure merit-based advancement, and strengthen accountability while keeping it free from political influence. Critics, however, argue that the proposal could undermine judicial independence.

Opinion polls show the “yes” and “no” camps are nearly tied, leaving the outcome uncertain. A defeat would be a political setback for Meloni, though she has said she does not plan to resign regardless of the result. Voting is set to conclude Monday at 14:00 GMT, with preliminary results expected the same day.

Italy’s Foreign Ministry has denied that any discussions are taking place with Iran regarding the safe passage of Italian ships or oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. A ministry source told Reuters on March 13, 2026, that a report published by the Financial Times on this matter was inaccurate.

According to the source, Italian leaders are engaged in diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing overall military tensions in the region. However, the source emphasized that there are no secret negotiations intended to secure the safety of specific commercial vessels at the expense of others.

The clarification comes amid heightened regional sensitivities around maritime security and follows recent international attention to the strategic waterway’s stability.

Italy has evacuated 20,000 of its citizens from the Middle East following the outbreak of war in the region, according to Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, as reported by Al Jazeera. The minister stated that the Gulf Task Force, comprising 200 officers, worked continuously to assist Italian nationals stranded in the Gulf area.

Tajani credited the coordinated efforts of the task force for enabling the safe return of Italians from various parts of the Middle East. The evacuation operation was part of Italy’s broader response to ensure the safety of its citizens amid escalating conflict conditions.

Evacuation efforts for foreign nationals from several Middle Eastern countries remain ongoing due to the continuing war situation, the report added.

Italy has announced the deployment of a naval frigate to Cyprus following the island’s involvement in the ongoing Middle East conflict. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni made the announcement on Saturday, stating that the move aims to ensure the security of the European Union’s borders. She described the deployment as an act of European solidarity but emphasized that Italy is not and does not wish to become a party to the conflict.

According to media reports, the missile-equipped frigate Federico Martinengo, carrying more than 160 crew members, departed from Taranto in southern Italy on Friday afternoon. Meloni also said that Italy, along with Britain, France, and Germany, is engaged in regular diplomatic discussions to prevent further escalation in the Middle East. She added that Italy is playing an active role in reducing tensions and providing air defense assistance in coordination with international allies.

Earlier, Meloni mentioned plans to send air defense support to Gulf countries affected by Iranian attacks carried out in retaliation for U.S. and Israeli strikes.

Italy’s right-wing government has approved a draft law aimed at curbing irregular migration across the Mediterranean. The bill, endorsed by the cabinet on Wednesday, allows temporary naval blockades to prevent migrant boats from entering Italian territorial waters during exceptional pressure situations. Authorities may invoke the measure when national security risks are identified, such as potential terrorist threats or infiltration attempts.

The proposal comes as Italy continues to face heavy migration flows through the central Mediterranean route, with thousands arriving by sea each year. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government has pledged stricter maritime controls. The draft must still pass both chambers of parliament before taking effect. If approved, Italy could revive its plan to process asylum applications in centers located in Albania, a scheme currently suspended by court rulings.

Under the bill, migrant vessels could be barred for up to 30 days, extendable to six months in severe security cases. Violations may result in fines up to 50,000 euros and vessel confiscation. Observers suggest the measure may particularly affect humanitarian rescue ships. The draft was approved a day after the European Union adopted its new migration and asylum pact.

Italy has announced it will not join U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed Peace Board. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told the news agency ANSA that constitutional obligations prevent Italy from participating. He explained that there is a legal conflict between Italy’s constitution and the charter of the Peace Board, which cannot be ignored. Tajani added that Italy remains open to discussions on peace initiatives.

By refusing to join, Italy aligns itself with France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, which have also declined participation in the controversial board. The Peace Board was introduced as an interim administrative body to oversee governance and reconstruction in post-war Gaza. However, Trump expanded its authority before the charter’s approval, omitting any reference to Gaza.

The decision comes despite the close relationship between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Trump, who chairs the board. Tajani cited Article 11 of Italy’s constitution, which discourages joining organizations that lack equality among member states, while Trump holds ultimate authority over the board.

Italy achieved a landmark victory by defeating Ireland by four wickets in the third and final T20 match of their series in Dubai. Although Ireland had already secured the series by winning the first two matches, Italy’s triumph marked their first-ever win against an ICC full-member nation. Chasing Ireland’s total of 154, Italy reached 157 for six with three balls to spare, thanks to captain Veni Madsen’s 39 off 30 balls and Grant Stewart’s unbeaten 33 off 19 balls.

Ireland’s innings ended at 154 in 19.4 overs, with opener Paul Stirling scoring 45 and Mark Adair adding 25 runs. For Italy, Kalugamage took three wickets for 28 runs. Despite losing two early wickets for 22, Italy recovered through disciplined batting and finished the chase in style. The victory sparked jubilant celebrations among the Italian players.

Italy will now turn their focus to the T20 World Cup starting in early February, where they are placed in Group C alongside England, Nepal, Scotland, and the West Indies.

Italy has summoned Iran’s ambassador in protest against the Iranian government’s violent suppression of ongoing demonstrations. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said he called in Ambassador Mohammad Reza Sabouri to express Italy’s condemnation of the use of force against protesters. Tajani stated that repression of citizens is unacceptable and emphasized that dialogue cannot justify violence against civilians.

According to the report, large-scale anti-government protests have been taking place in Iran since December 28, triggered by a severe economic crisis and the devaluation of the national currency. The Iranian government has accused the United States and Israel of instigating the unrest. Iran has also officially acknowledged for the first time that around 2,000 people have died in the security forces’ crackdown on the protests.

The diplomatic move by Italy adds to growing international concern over Iran’s handling of the demonstrations, highlighting tensions between Tehran and Western governments over human rights and internal repression.