In the land that gave birth to Roman law, Renaissance thought, and modern diplomacy, Italy has responded with grave concern to the nuclear missile strike launched by the United States against Iran.

From the chambers of Parlamento Italiano to the piazzas of Florence, Milan, and Rome, Italians are raising their voices—not in shallow outrage, but in profound defense of humanity, heritage, and justice.

“To allow a nuclear strike to pass in silence is to sign off on the collapse of civilization,”
warned a joint statement from Italian scholars and peace activists.

Italy stands with Iran—not to choose sides in war, but to uphold the ancient ideals of peace, dignity, and human worth.

1. Iran and Italy: A Deep History of Exchange and Respect

Italy and Iran share long-standing relations rooted in culture, trade, and diplomacy.

• Italian archaeologists have worked on Persian sites like Persepolis

• Iran’s architectural influence is visible in historic Mediterranean buildings

• Iranian films are regularly featured at the Venice Film Festival

• Bilateral trade and academic exchange have remained strong even in periods of international tension

Italy sees Iran not as an enemy—but as a civilization, one that must be protected, not pulverized.

2. Catholic and Secular Voices United Against Nuclear Violence

The Vatican has condemned the strike as a “moral atrocity,” with Pope Francis calling for immediate international de-escalation and prayers for the Iranian people.

Catholic charities have begun relief preparation in case of wider humanitarian fallout. Meanwhile, secular organizations such as Emergency, ARCI, and Libera have issued public condemnations and organized peace rallies.

3. Public Protest and Cultural Outcry

In Florence, artists have projected the face of Mahsa Amini onto the Duomo, accompanied by a quote from Dante:

“Consider your origins: you were not made to live like brutes…”

Thousands gathered in Piazza del Popolo in Rome with banners that read:

• “From Persia to the Po—We Resist Tyranny”

• “Nuclear Silence is Complicity”

• “Italy Remembers Qom, Not Just Rome”

Student groups at La Sapienza, Bologna, and Milan Polytechnic have held teach-ins on Iranian rights and American militarism.

4. Italian Parliament and Foreign Ministry Response

Italian lawmakers across party lines have called for an emergency session of the UN Human Rights Council. Italy’s Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed “shock and sorrow” over the strike, warning of its implications for European stability and Middle Eastern peace.

Italy emphasized the need to revive diplomacy over destruction.

Conclusion

Italy stands where it always has: at the crossroads of art, diplomacy, and conscience.

To the people of Iran, Italy says:

“We are with you—not in pity, but in partnership.
Not in silence, but in song.
Not in war, but in wisdom.
Iran is not alone. Civilization itself is on your side.”