Italy keeps embassies open in Iran, Israel, arranges charter flights for citizens

IANS June 20, 2025 502 views

Italy is keeping its embassies in Iran and Israel open despite rising tensions. The government is arranging charter flights for citizens wishing to leave, offering financial assistance for travel. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani emphasized efforts to ensure citizen safety amid difficult conditions. Italy also clarified no involvement of US bases in Italy in the conflict.

"We are doing everything we can to ensure the safety of our fellow citizens" - Antonio Tajani
Rome, June 20: Italy will maintain operations at its embassies in both Tehran and Tel Aviv amid the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, while organising charter flights to assist Italian nationals wishing to leave the two countries, Antonio Tajani, minister of the foreign affairs and international cooperation, said.

Key Points

1

Italy maintains embassies in Tehran and Tel Aviv despite conflict

2

20,000 Italians in Israel, 450 in Iran eligible for flights

3

Government offers €500 subsidy per adult for evacuation

4

No US bases in Italy involved in Israeli operations

"We are working to facilitate the departure from Iran and Israel of our fellow citizens who intend to leave," Tajani told Italy's ANSA news agency on the sidelines of a European Union (EU) foreign ministers' meeting in Taormina, Sicily.

According to the ministry, around 20,000 Italian nationals are currently in Israel, while up to 450 are in Iran, Xinhua news agency reported. The ministry said the special flights would be available to Italian citizens, their family members, and other EU nationals. Passengers will be responsible for the cost of travel, though the government will contribute 500 euros ($573) per adult.

Tajani said Italian diplomatic missions in both countries have remained operational since the outbreak of hostilities on June 13, when Israel launched a large-scale military operation against Iran. "Our embassies are operating in very difficult conditions. We are doing everything we can to ensure the safety of our fellow citizens," he said.

Tajani also noted that the Italian government has received no indication that US military bases in Italy have been involved in supporting Israeli military actions.

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
Italy is showing great diplomatic maturity by keeping embassies open in both countries. This is how global powers should act during conflicts - prioritizing citizen safety over taking sides. India could learn from this balanced approach in our own neighborhood tensions. 🙏
R
Rahul S.
The €500 assistance for citizens is commendable, but why only for adults? Many families with children are stuck in conflict zones. Italy should consider helping minors too. When India evacuated from Ukraine, we ensured all citizens received equal support regardless of age.
A
Anjali M.
This reminds me of Operation Ganga when India rescued our students from Ukraine. Proud that our country has set such strong examples in citizen evacuation! Though Italy's decision to keep embassies open is risky but shows commitment to diplomacy. 👏
V
Vikram J.
Interesting that Italy clarified about US bases not being involved. Shows how regional conflicts can create tensions even for neutral countries. Hope our MEA is watching - we face similar challenges with China-Pakistan tensions affecting our region.
S
Sanjay P.
Only 450 Italians in Iran vs 20,000 in Israel? Shows where the real economic and cultural ties lie. Makes me wonder - how many Indians are working in these conflict zones? Our government should maintain updated registries like Italy seems to have done.
N
Neha T.
While Italy's efforts are good, they should pressure both sides for ceasefire instead of just evacuation. As a country with Vatican ties, they have moral responsibility to push for peace. India always advocates dialogue first in such situations - the right approach!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Your email won't be published


Disclaimer: Comments here reflect the author's views alone. Insulting or using offensive language against individuals, communities, religion, or the nation is illegal.

Tags:
Italy Iran Israel conflict embassy operations Antonio Tajani evacuation flights