US Ultimatum to Iran: Italy Says Civilians Shouldn't Suffer for Regime's Crimes

US President Trump demanded that Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz by 8 PM EST on the 7th (8 AM JST on the 8th), or face severe attack.

The Italian Prime Minister's office issued a statement late on the evening of the 7th, stating that the Italian government is closely monitoring the developments in the Middle East crisis and the risks of military escalation that could affect all of Iran, whether strategically, militarily, or for civilian targets.

The Italian government reiterated its firm condemnation of the Iranian regime's destabilizing actions, including missile launches threatening the security of Gulf states, disrupting navigation freedom in the Strait of Hormuz, impacting the lifeline of the global economy, and the regime's systematic brutal repression of its own people.

However, the Italian government stressed that a clear distinction must be made between the responsibility of the regime and the fate of millions of ordinary citizens, and that Iranian civilians must not and should not pay the price for their leaders' crimes.

The Italian government stated that it agrees with the EU's statement on maintaining the integrity of Iran's civilian infrastructure and ensuring the safety of the Iranian people, and hopes for a negotiated solution to the crisis as soon as possible. (Editor: Zhou Yongjie) 1150408