Iran Summons Italian Ambassador Over ‘Irresponsible’ Tajani Remarks
ROME, January 27, 2026, 19:20 – Iran has summoned the Italian Ambassador to Tehran, Paola Amadei, to express its condemnation of what it termed ‘irresponsible statements’ made by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. The diplomatic move follows Tajani’s push to declare the Pasdaran (Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) a terrorist organization within the European Union.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry warned of ‘damaging consequences’ if such a measure were to be adopted, highlighting a significant shift in Rome’s stance towards Tehran. Italy, which has historically maintained a more cautious approach and engaged in dialogue with Iran, particularly on nuclear program tensions, now appears to be leading a more assertive European policy.
Tajani’s Stance and EU Deliberations
Foreign Minister Tajani is set to advocate for the Pasdaran’s designation during Thursday’s EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting. This position marks a departure from earlier hesitancy among some EU members, including Spain and France, which had previously prevented the achievement of a qualified majority for such a decision.
Tajani emphasized that the severe repression of recent protests in Iran, which has resulted in thousands of deaths, ‘demands a clear response.’ He reiterated Italy’s unwavering position despite Tehran’s protest, stating, ‘It is not our fault if there has been a massacre in Iran and the opposition on the streets has been massacred. Thousands and thousands of deaths. This is unacceptable.’
Reactions and Warnings
While Tajani’s firm stance has garnered praise from figures like Reza Pahlavi, the son of the former Shah, it has also intensified threats from the Iranian regime. Tehran has warned of ‘destructive consequences’ should any action be taken against the Pasdaran, which it views as the backbone of its internal security and the operational arm of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The regime has also cautioned European nations against falling into the ‘US trap.’
The decision to classify the entire Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist entity requires unanimous agreement from the EU Foreign Affairs Council. However, irrespective of this, the EU is preparing to expand its blacklist on Thursday with a new wave of sanctions targeting dozens of Iranian entities and officials, including top Pasdaran leaders.
Escalating Tensions and Security Concerns
This diplomatic and punitive push by the West comes against a backdrop of persistent military tension in the region. US naval forces remain deployed in the Middle East, conducting exercises and maintaining readiness for potential intervention. Former President Donald Trump reportedly commented, ‘We hope we don’t have to use it.’ Meanwhile, Iran is reportedly bracing for the worst, with opposition media claiming that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has relocated to an underground bunker in Tehran due to fears of an imminent intervention.
Many foreign countries, including Italy, have advised their citizens to leave Iran as soon as possible. For security reasons, the staff at the Italian embassy in Tehran has also been reduced to a minimum. ‘For prudence, we are bringing back those who are not indispensable,’ Tajani explained.
International Context and Future Steps
The escalating situation underscores the growing international pressure on Iran over its domestic policies and regional activities. The EU’s forthcoming sanctions and the ongoing diplomatic confrontations signal a potential shift in the international community’s approach to the Islamic Republic. The outcome of the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting on Thursday is eagerly awaited as it will likely set the tone for future relations between Europe and Iran.
The Italian Ambassador’s summoning by Tehran highlights the immediate repercussions of Italy’s more assertive foreign policy. The situation remains fluid, with both sides demonstrating firm resolve, and the international community closely monitoring developments.
