Headlines
US-Israeli strikes on iran in breach of international law, says italian minister
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 5, 2026
2 min readLast updated: March 5, 2026
Quick Summary
Italy’s Defence Minister Guido Crosetto sharply condemned the U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iran as a clear breach of international law, stressing Italy was caught off‑guard and must now manage the fallout. Italy will bolster regional defense with air and naval support for Gulf and Cypriot partners.
Italian Minister Condemns US-Israeli Strikes on Iran as Illegal Under International Law
Italy Responds to Middle East Crisis and International Law Concerns
Minister Crosetto's Statement on US-Israeli Actions
ROME, March 5 (Reuters) - The U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran which sparked the latest Middle East crisis were clearly in breach of international law, Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said on Thursday.
Italy's Political Stance and Relations with the US
It was the strongest criticism to date from Italy's right-wing administration, which has sought to establish close ties with U.S. President Donald Trump since he took office last year.
Legal Assessment of the Strikes
The decision to launch the strikes last weekend "of course fell outside, needless to say, the rules of international law", Crosetto told the lower house of parliament.
Impact on Italy and International Partners
He said Italy was being forced to respond to a conflict that the United States and Israel had initiated without warning their allies and partners.
Global Repercussions and Italy's Response
"It is a war that was started without anyone in the world knowing. One in which we, like the rest of the world, find ourselves having to manage (the consequences)," said Crosetto, who is a member of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's Brothers of Italy party.
Italy's Military and Diplomatic Measures
Italy has said it will send air defence aid to Gulf countries and naval assets to Cyprus to help them protect against Iranian strikes launched in response to the U.S.-Israeli attacks.
Reporting and Editorial Credits
(Reporting by Alvise Armellini; Editing by Crispian Balmer)
Key Takeaways
- •Minister Crosetto labeled the weekend U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iran as outside the rules of international law, marking Italy's strongest criticism yet amid Meloni’s right‑wing government. (lemonde.fr)
- •Crosetto warned that Italy and its allies were unprepared for a war initiated without warning and now face managing its consequences. (lemonde.fr)
- •Italy plans to send air defense systems to Gulf nations and naval assets to Cyprus to support regional partners threatened by retaliatory Iranian strikes. (lemonde.fr)
References
Frequently Asked Questions about US-Israeli strikes on Iran in breach of international law, says Italian minister
1What did the Italian Defence Minister say about US-Israeli strikes on Iran?
He stated that the attacks violated international law and criticized the lack of warning to allies.
2How did Italy respond to the US-Israeli attacks on Iran?
Italy said it would send air defence aid to Gulf countries and naval assets to Cyprus.
3Why did Guido Crosetto criticize the US and Israel?
He criticized them for initiating military action without informing their allies or partners.
