Italian politician, Deputy PM and Foreign Minister since Oct 2022
As of March 22, 2026, Iran maintains effective control over the Strait of Hormuz, blocking oil shipments following US-Israeli strikes that killed Iran's Supreme Leader. President Trump has urged allies including the UK, China, and France to send warships to secure the vital waterway, but key NATO members remain reluctant, emphasizing diplomacy. The blockade has pushed oil prices above $100 per barrel, intensifying global economic pressures.
As of April 3, 2026, President Trump has publicly condemned NATO and key allies for refusing to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz following Iran's blockade during the US-Israeli war. Despite launching the conflict and claiming military success, Trump insists the US no longer needs NATO's help, while European leaders like Macron and Starmer reject involvement, citing the war's risks and complexity.
On Palm Sunday 2026, Israeli police prevented Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Father Francesco Ielpo from entering Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre, citing security concerns due to ongoing conflict with Iran. This marked the first such restriction in centuries, sparking international criticism and diplomatic protests over religious freedom during Holy Week.
Since early April 2026, Jerusalem's Old City holy sites, including Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, have reopened after a six-week closure due to the US-Israeli war on Iran. Far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has repeatedly entered Al-Aqsa, performing Jewish prayers forbidden under the Status Quo, sparking Palestinian and Jordanian condemnation. Restrictions on Muslim worshippers and settler incursions continue, raising fears of escalating tensions and changes to the site's religious status.
Since early March 2026, Israel has launched intensified airstrikes and ground operations in southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah, killing over 2,000 people and displacing more than one million. Israeli forces are encircling and assaulting the strategic town of Bint Jbeil. Hezbollah continues rocket attacks into northern Israel. Lebanon and Israel have held preliminary talks in Washington to seek a ceasefire.
Israel has launched extensive strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon as peace talks are scheduled for Tuesday in Washington. Despite US pressure to limit fighting, Israel is maintaining its military operations. Hezbollah and Lebanese officials condemn the attacks, which have caused significant casualties and displacement. The situation remains tense as regional and international actors call for restraint.
Lebanon and Israel have held their first direct talks in over 30 years in Washington, mediated by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The discussions focus on disarming Hezbollah and establishing long-term security, despite ongoing Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon and Hezbollah's intensified attacks on northern Israel. Lebanon demands a ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal, while Israel insists on Hezbollah's disarmament and rejects a ceasefire.
EU foreign ministers have requested discussion of suspending the 1995 EU‑Israel Association Agreement after Spain, Ireland and Slovenia have formally asked for the issue to be placed on the agenda. Member states remain divided: Germany and Italy are opposing suspension while France, Belgium and others are pushing targeted measures, and public pressure has surged following Israel's policies in Gaza, the West Bank and a new death‑penalty law.
On April 13, 2026, Italy has suspended the automatic renewal of its 2005 defence memorandum with Israel. The move follows rising tensions after Israeli attacks in Lebanon and incidents involving Italian UN peacekeepers. Italy's right-wing government, previously a staunch Israel ally, is shifting its stance amid regional instability and upcoming elections.
As of April 17, 2026, US President Donald Trump has publicly criticized Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for refusing to support US-led efforts against Iran, accusing her of lacking courage and dismissing her condemnation of his attacks on Pope Leo XIV. Italy has responded by emphasizing national dignity and suspending a defense cooperation agreement with Israel amid rising tensions.
The DRC and M23 have agreed to facilitate humanitarian access, release prisoners within 10 days, and establish a ceasefire monitoring mechanism after five days of Swiss talks mediated by Qatar. Despite progress, disagreements remain over sentences and bank reopenings, with fighting continuing in eastern regions.
Despite economic and geopolitical challenges, Milan's design scene remains vibrant. The Milan Furniture Fair and Fuorisalone attract thousands of exhibitors and visitors, showcasing innovative designs. Meanwhile, Vienna's Klima Biennale features environmental art addressing climate change, reflecting a global focus on sustainability.
Pope Leo has pushed back after President Trump accused him of endorsing Irans nuclear armament, saying the Church has opposed nuclear weapons for years and asking worshippers to pray for governments to abandon violence. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has met and pledged to improve VaticanUS relations while stressing dialogue on Middle East and hemisphere issues.
The Vatican has hosted US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Rome for talks with Pope Leo XIV and senior officials, as tensions with Washington persist after Trump’s criticism of the pontiff. The discussions cover topics of mutual interest in the Western Hemisphere and broader world issues, with potential efforts to thaw relations between the US, the Vatican, and Italy.
President Trump has been informally polling aides and guests about whether Vice President JD Vance or Secretary of State Marco Rubio should lead the Republican ticket in 2028 and has repeatedly mused that a Vance–Rubio ticket would be a "dream team." Both officials have been taking higher-profile roles: Vance is expanding his foreign policy and Midwest campaigning, while Rubio is engaging in diplomacy and public briefings.
A group of five Italian divers has perished during a deep-water cave dive in Vaavu Atoll, Maldives. One diver has been recovered; weather and depth pose ongoing risks as authorities coordinate with Italy to support families and repatriation.
Five Italian divers have died during a deep-water cave dive in Vaavu Atoll, Maldives. A sixth diver died during the rescue, and a Finnish team has joined Maldivian authorities to recover remaining bodies. Investigations are examining whether the dive exceeded depth limits and permits.
Israel has intercepted the Global Sumud flotilla in international waters and detained about 430 activists. National security minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir has posted footage showing bound activists kneeling while he taunts them; the video has provoked condemnation from multiple governments, Israeli ministers and rights groups, and rapid deportations of the detainees.
Italian Slow Food founder Carlo Petrini has died at 76 in Bra, Piedmont, after a battle with prostate cancer. Petrini led Slow Food from 1989 to 2022 and helped launch Terra Madre and the University of Gastronomic Sciences. The movement now operates in more than 160 countries.
Russia has been applying economic and diplomatic pressure on Armenia ahead of its 7 June 2026 parliamentary election, banning or restricting imports, recalling its ambassador and warning Armenia against pursuing EU membership. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is framing the vote as a choice between peace with Azerbaijan and a return to war while deepening ties with the EU and US.
Italian prosecutors have opened an investigation into National Security Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir on suspicion of torture and kidnapping after he posted a video mocking bound flotilla activists detained by Israeli forces on May 18. France and other European states have opened or signalled probes, banned Ben‑Gvir and are weighing EU sanctions.