Executive Summary
This report offers an analytical overview of the official visit by the Italian delegation to Iran for the fifth round of bilateral political consultations, highlighting a desire to advance the bilateral partnership.
Amid a complex geopolitical landscape, Rome aimed to reinforce diplomatic and economic ties. The analysis explores historical relations and identifies future opportunities for Italy to act as a strategic bridge between Iran and Europe.
Key Takeaways
- The fifth round of Iran-Italy political consultations in Tehran expressed Rome’s goal of deepening bilateral cooperation amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
- Among European nations, Italy enjoys preferential relations with Iran, grounded in a longstanding historical connection that provides diplomatic agility in sensitive consular matters.
- Rome’s history includes handling sensitive Middle Eastern matters discreetly. Meloni’s alliance with Trump may make Italy an Iran negotiator.
Information Background
On June 8, 2025, Tehran hosted the fifth round of bilateral political consultations between Iran and Italy, aimed at strengthening cooperation. Riccardo Guariglia, Secretary General of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, co-chaired the consultations with the Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht-e-Ravanchi.
On the sideline of the event, Guariglia also met the Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The Iranian diplomat emphasised the Islamic Republic’s readiness to develop and expand relations with European countries, particularly Italy, based on mutual respect and common interests. Guariglia conveyed greetings from the Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and affirmed Rome’s commitment to deepening ties.
Bilateral relations between Iran and Italy are rooted in centuries of history, with significant consolidation during the Safavid dynasty in the 15th century, when important Italian missions were dispatched to the Persian court. Personal diaries of Naser al-Din Shah of the later Qajar dynasty recount his travels to Italy, marking the first visit of a Persian sovereign to the West. On the occasion of his visit to Sardinia, Tehran and Rome signed their first trade agreement, further solidifying a diplomatic and commercial relationship.
Another significant cultural event was the Italian diplomatic mission visiting Iran in 1862. The delegation captured historic photographs that are now preserved in the Italian archival collections. Works by three Italian photographers from that mission are still on display at the Golestan Palace, the historic residence of the Qajar royal dynasty in Tehran — a testament to the enduring depth of this cultural bond.
Geopolitical Scenario
Cultural relations, formalised by a 1958 treaty of cooperation, continue amid a volatile geopolitical landscape. During the talks, Araghchi underscored the long-standing and friendly relations between Tehran and Rome across political, economic, and cultural spheres, highlighting the strategic importance of sustained diplomatic engagement.
Although Italy has adhered to the Western sanctions imposed on Iran, Rome has consistently preserved a distinctively constructive and resilient dialogue with the Islamic Republic of Iran, standing apart from the general posture of many European counterparts. Indeed, the historically rooted framework of diplomatic and cultural engagement continues to inform bilateral interactions.
Notably, such a framework appears to confer a degree of diplomatic agility in sensitive consular matters, including the resolution of cases involving the detention of European nationals on charges linked to internal security or broader geopolitical tensions, wherein Italian nationals have, in several instances, benefitted from comparatively expedited outcomes.
Cooperation between the two actors has extended well beyond the cultural sphere. In more recent history, the Italian energy company Eni established partnerships in Iran that were widely recognised for their fairness. During the 1950s and 1960s, in fact, under the leadership of Enrico Mattei, Eni was among the first Western firms to pursue a more balanced and equitable approach to energy relations with Iran. Mattei sought to implement agreements based on a 50/50 profit-sharing model — a significant departure from the dominant practices of the so-called “Seven Sisters.”
In the 2000s, Eni resumed operations in Iran through its participation in key energy projects. Most notably, under contracts with the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) and Petropars, Eni was involved in the development of phases 4 and 5 of the South Pars gas field, one of the largest natural gas reserves in the world, as well as in the development of the Darkhovin oil fields.
As for today, tourism collaborations are expanding, with plans for Iran’s enhanced participation in Italy’s TTG tourism expo to showcase its cultural heritage to Italian travellers.
From a geopolitical standpoint, Rome has recently hosted nuclear talks between the United States and Iran.
Although Italy under the Meloni government has been Israel’s closest partner (its support has remained steady even as Germany’s has wavered) and despite some factions within Meloni’s party expressing sympathy either for the Shah’s heir or for a transitional government led by the former MEK terrorist group, the current Italian administration could represent a valuable asset for Tehran.
The Italian government has demonstrated a pragmatic, economically driven approach rather than an ideological one. Unlike Northern European countries, Italy establishes commercial ties without imposing demands on its partners regarding internal policies on issues such as freedom of expression and human rights.
Rome’s recent pivot towards Central Asia suggests a potentially fruitful strategic triangulation. The Central Asian republics view Iranian ports and territory as critical logistics hubs, connecting Southeast Asia and Europe. Italy’s unique location in the Mediterranean could position it as the gateway for this corridor connecting central Asia to Europe, potentially reinforced by a renewed engagement with China’s Belt and Road Initiative, as Iranian ports are part of it. Indeed, although Italy withdrew from the Chinese-led maritime corridor, Meloni has reiterated its intent to cultivate strategic ties with Beijing.
Finally, Premier Meloni’s proximity to the Trump administration may position Italy as an additional mediator in the Iran dossier, even as relations with Israel remain close and pressure from Tel Aviv continues to dominate.
Conclusion
The meeting reaffirmed a historically resilient partnership between Italy and Iran. For years, Italy stood as Iran’s largest trading partner within the European Union, with pre-sanction trade volumes exceeding €7 billion annually. While currently ranked second, exporting €45 million worth of goods in January 2025, Italy remains a crucial economic interlocutor, following Germany, which accounted for 36% of Iran’s total EU trade in 2023.
Recent diplomatic milestones underscore the strength of this relationship. Rome has hosted key rounds of indirect Iran-United States nuclear negotiations, a testament to Italy’s balanced and effective diplomatic channels. Additionally, bilateral cooperation continues to expand, notably in the tourism sector.
The conclusion of the fifth round of political consultations saw both delegations commit to expediting progress on vital economic and consular initiatives, signalling a shared intent to deepen and broaden their collaboration.
