The use of military bases, Italy's role in the conflict, and the energy shock: what Giorgia Meloni said in the Senate

In a phase marked by a deep crisis of international law and the decline of a shared world order, the President of the Council, Giorgia Meloni, clarified Italy's position regarding the U.S. and Israeli actions against the Iranian regime.

Two key points of her speech: the exclusion of any Italian participation in military operations and the clear definition, without ambiguity, of the management of U.S. bases present on national territory.

The issue of the use of U.S. installations in Italy has been at the heart of the Government's communications. Meloni reassured the Chamber by specifying that, at present, no request has been received from the Trump administration for the use of Italian military infrastructure.

The regulation of such presences, she recalled, is based on bilateral agreements signed in 1954 and subsequently updated by governments of all political orientations. The agreements in force authorize only technical activities limited to logistics and "non-kinetic operations", meaning – as the Prime Minister pointed out – actions that "do not involve bombings".

A different scenario would arise in the event of escalation, with a possible request from Washington for an offensive use of the bases. While treaties stipulate that the formal authority to grant use for "other activities" lies with the Government, the Executive has set a clear institutional and democratic boundary: "The decision, in that case, would belong to Parliament", Meloni stated, placing the responsibility for a possible more direct involvement of the country back on the Chambers.

Alongside caution is the awareness of a threat to global security that cannot be underestimated. The President of the Council warned of the risk that the Ayatollah regime could acquire nuclear weapons, a danger exacerbated by an Iranian missile capability that "could soon be able to strike directly at Italy and Europe".

Such an outcome would undermine non-proliferation agreements and trigger a dangerous arms race on a global scale. While acknowledging that Italy, having not directly participated in the negotiations, is unable to confirm or deny U.S. assessments regarding Tehran's unwillingness to reach an agreement, the Government shares concerns for international balance.

At the same time, Rome urges that, in operations aimed at neutralizing Iran's military capability, the safety of civilians and minors be protected in every way, firmly condemning tragedies such as the massacre at the school in Minab.

To address one of the most complex passages in recent history, Palazzo Chigi rejects the narrative of an isolated or complicit Italy and calls for national cohesion. Meloni has invited to overcome political polarization, opening up to the establishment of a discussion table at Palazzo Chigi with opposition forces. A unity of intent appears crucial also to contain the severe economic repercussions of the conflict.

To mitigate energy price increases, the Government has requested the European Union to urgently suspend the ETS applied to electricity production from thermal sources, at least until prices stabilize. On the fuel front, the Executive is monitoring price trends and is ready to activate the mechanism of "mobile excise duties", using higher VAT revenues to reduce consumption taxes. Finally, the message to speculators is clear: the Administration will intervene to prevent the crisis from being exploited for illicit enrichment, even going so far as to impose stricter taxation on profits derived from speculation if necessary.