Iran cannot be allowed to become nuclear power: Italian premier

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) – Iran cannot be allowed to become a nuclear power, said the Italian prime minister late Tuesday, stressing that a diplomatic solution is still possible.

Giorgia Meloni, speaking to the press in Canada at the end of the G7 summit, claimed that Iran has been a major source of instability in the region and that a nuclear Iran would pose a threat to both the West and Israel.

She also defended Israel's attacks on Iran as a "right to self-defense," claiming that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed Iran's nuclear ambitions last week.

However, Meloni remarked that a diplomatic solution aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons is still possible and even desirable.

In response to a question about whether Russian President Vladimir Putin can act as a mediator in this situation, Meloni stated: “Putin, leader of a country waging war against another country, cannot be entrusted with the role of mediator.”

She also accused Putin of not being sincere in seeking a peaceful end to the war in Ukraine, as evidenced by the most recent Russian aerial attacks on Ukrainian civilians, which she described as "openly provocative."

- Escalating Iran-Israel conflict

On June 13, Israel launched large-scale attacks targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities across several cities, as well as high-ranking military command centers.

Iranian media reported Wednesday that the death toll from Israeli airstrikes across Tehran and other populated areas has risen to 585, with at least 1,326 people injured since the attacks started last week.

In retaliation, Iran’s military launched ballistic missiles at Israel, killing 24 people and wounding over 500, according to reports.

Numerous countries, including Türkiye, have condemned Israel’s actions.