Iranian news agency Tasnim reports that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani have had a phone call, during which they discussed the latest developments in the region, as well as issues related to a ceasefire and diplomacy.

In a post on X, Tajani said he had the call to “take stock” of the war on Iran and the broader situation in the Middle East.

“I wanted to highlight Italy’s strong concern over the increase in regional tensions, underscoring the need to avoid further escalation and to intensify efforts for an agreement on a ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, also to avert negative consequences on food security and stability in Africa,” Tajani says.

“I clearly confirmed that for Italy, the development of an Iranian nuclear program for military purposes represents a red line, with the concrete risk of triggering a dangerous nuclear arms race in the region.”