Italy Requests Security Information from the U.S. Regarding Iran's Nuclear Program

Giuseppe Conte, the Prime Minister of Italy, said on Wednesday that his government is prepared to take a "firmer" stance regarding Iran and has recently requested security information from U.S. President Donald Trump concerning Iran's nuclear programs. According to the Associated Press, Conte stated at a press conference in Rome that Italy hopes to coordinate any actions related to this matter with the European Union following U.S. sanctions against Iran. Italy is not a signatory to the nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers, but it supported the deal at the time of its signing. Donald Trump withdrew the U.S. from this agreement in May and implemented the first phase of nuclear sanctions against Iran on Tuesday. Conte, referring to U.S. security information about Iran's nuclear status, said, "I asked President Trump to share concerning issues with us." Conte met with Trump at the White House last week. When asked to provide more specific information, Conte said, "I did not take a clear position in the meeting with Donald Trump. I said if it is proven that the nuclear agreement has not been effective, we are willing to evaluate taking a firmer stance." He added, "We are waiting to receive security information" and expressed his desire to assess this information alongside other EU countries. The Associated Press reminds that the European Union has firmly defended the nuclear agreement with Iran, but Trump has threatened to punish any company or institution that cooperates with Iran. Italy has always been an important trading partner for Iran, but ENI, the Italian energy company, halted its operations in Iran earlier this year, and Fiat Chrysler has long limited its presence in Iran. Conte stated that the Italian government will be "very sensitive" to the impact of sanctions on Italian companies and will take steps to "limit the scope of these impacts." He noted that signs are already visible that U.S. sanctions have had an effect. According to statistics from the Iran-Italy Chamber of Commerce, Italy's exports to Iran in 2017 were about $1.7 billion, with main items including machinery, power generators, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. In contrast, Italy's imports from Iran, mainly crude oil, were about $3.4 billion. Meanwhile, on the same day, the German news agency reported that the Turkish government will continue to purchase natural gas from Iran despite U.S. sanctions. Fatih Donmez, Turkey's energy minister, announced this news and added that Ankara hopes to resolve this issue in discussions with the U.S. government. Donmez stated in an interview with a Turkish media outlet that under a contract valid until 2026, Turkey must purchase 9.5 billion cubic meters of natural gas from Iran each year. He added that this deal will continue because they are not willing to keep their citizens in the cold and darkness. This is a legitimate contract and is very important for the country's energy security. Donmez described U.S. sanctions against Iran as "unilateral." Turkey is heavily dependent on imported energy sources, with Iran and Russia being the main suppliers of this need. According to statistics from the Ministry of Energy, about 40% of Turkey's electricity is produced using natural gas. Donmez further stated, "Our representatives are currently in Washington discussing various issues, including sanctions. I believe these negotiations will yield positive results."