Italy's Tajani says Iran must 'change tone' after 'very hard' UN speech

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Iran needs to "change tone" following what he described as a "very hard" speech by an Iranian official at the United Nations, adding that Tehran should also abandon its pursuit of nuclear weapons.

Tajani's remarks came amid a period of heightened rhetoric between Iran and Western governments at the UN General Assembly, where Iranian officials have used their platform to respond forcefully to criticism from the United States and its allies.

The Italian minister's comments reflect a broader position shared by several European governments, which have repeatedly called on Iran to curb its nuclear program and to engage in a less confrontational diplomatic posture with the West.

Nuclear program remains a sticking point

Iran's nuclear activities have remained a central point of friction in its relations with Western countries for years, with European governments generally aligning with the United States in demanding greater transparency and restrictions on Tehran's enrichment activities, even where they have sometimes differed with Washington on tactics.

Tajani did not detail specific new measures Italy or the European Union might pursue in response to the Iranian speech. His remarks were framed as a call for de-escalation rather than an announcement of new policy.