On September 24, 2024, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi during the High-Level Week of the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York. The meeting focused on the escalating situation in the Middle East, particularly the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, and the role of Tehran in promoting regional stability.
Tajani expressed Italy's strong concern, on behalf of the G7 partners, for an urgent ceasefire in both Gaza and Lebanon. He emphasized Italy's commitment to preventing further escalation, especially along the Blue Line where approximately 1,000 Italian UNIFIL troops are stationed.
The Italian minister urged Iran to leverage its influence over regional groups to promote moderation across Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, and the Red Sea. He also condemned the transfer of weapons from Iran to Russia and called on the Iranian government to reconsider such decisions.
This meeting marks the first in-person encounter between Tajani and Araghchi since their initial phone conversation on August 25, 2024, and highlights the ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the rising tensions in the region.