Hosting of Iran-US talks shows Italy’s diplomatic clout, defense minister says

Rome’s selection as a venue for nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States signals a bid by Italy to position itself as a diplomatic bridge in international crises, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said Saturday.

“It recognizes a role that Italy has built up—anchored to historic alliances but open to dialogue with all,” Crosetto said during a visit in Taranto.

He added that Italy can serve as a venue “to build peace, to build security, to help create the conditions—even in parts of the world that feel closer than we realize—for ending conflict, ending war, and, in some way, ending terrorism.”