America News Agency

Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani held a phone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding the war in Iran and the effects of the rapid rise in energy prices.

Stating that they expressed concern about Iran expanding the conflict in the Middle East, Tajani said: “Iran expanding the conflict and targeting all Arab countries in the Persian Gulf is a serious source of concern for the Italian government.”

Emphasizing that the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz could have severe negative effects on international economies, Tajani said: “Italy reaffirms its objective that Iran must not possess military nuclear weapons.”

Tajani also highlighted the importance of political and diplomatic efforts to end the conflict and reiterated Italy’s solidarity with the Gulf countries.

The discussion also addressed developments in Cuba and the transition and peace process in Venezuela. Tajani raised the situation of Italian citizens detained for political reasons and thanked Rubio for his interest and support on the matter.