On 13 June 2025, our Director, Prof. Luigi Narbone, was interviewed by Radio Vaticana as part of the programme “Il mondo alla radio” to comment on the Israeli military operation launched against Iran.

Prof. Narbone explained the strategic relevance of the targets hit, including the Natanz nuclear facility and key military sites, and noted the implications of the deaths of senior Iranian military officials. He discussed how the escalation fits into the broader context of almost two years of war in which Israel has succeeded in has seriously degrading the military capabilities of Iran’s allies in the region as well as Iran’s air defence. However, he stressed the potential risks of a widening of the conflict.

He also addressed the reactions of international and regional actors – particularly the Gulf countries, which feel particularly unease with the Israeli attack, highlighting calls for de-escalation from NATO and the United Nations, and discussed the role of the United States and the possibility that it could be drawn into direct confrontation.

The interview is available in Italian.