ROME, April 7 (Xinhua) -- The Italian government on Tuesday emphasized the importance of safeguarding civilian infrastructure in Iran and protecting the safety of the Iranian population.
In a released note on the Middle East crisis, the government said it continues to closely monitor the risk of further military escalation that could affect the entire Iranian territory, without distinction between strategic, military and civilian targets.
"The Italian government shares the European Union institutions' position on the need to preserve the integrity of civilian infrastructure and ensure the safety of the Iranian population," it said.
It also expressed the hope that a negotiated solution to the crisis can be reached promptly.
The Italian government's response came as concerns mounted over a sharp deterioration in the Middle East situation. U.S. President Donald Trump threatened on Tuesday morning that Iran's "whole civilization will die tonight," a deadline he set for Iran to make a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. ■
