Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Monday that the attacks on Iran launched by the United States and Israel at the weekend were aiming to eliminate a threat to the security not just of the Middle East, but of Europe too.

“The operation conducted by the United States and Israel could be a turning point for regional balances and, hopefully, pave the way for a new Middle East of peace, development, and growth,” Tajani said as he reported on the war to a joint session of several parliamentary committees with Defence Minister Guido Crosetto.

“A scenario in which the many conflicts plaguing the region, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, can find a balanced, peaceful resolution.

“The aim of the ongoing operation is to eliminate the nuclear and missile threat posed by the Tehran regime.

“This is an existential threat, as recent events have demonstrated, to the security not only of the entire region, but also of Europe”.

Tajani added that, even though war was raging, the government was working to try to bring about a diplomatic solution.

“The Italian government will continue to do its bit, with clarity, with determination, with a sense of responsibility,” he said.

“We believe in diplomacy, even when it seems difficult. Even when it seems distant. Every crisis requires dialogue and negotiation. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that that moment arrives as soon as possible”.