In a phone call with Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani on Thursday, Italy’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani strongly condemned last night’s attack on Italy’s military base in Erbil, and expressed appreciation for the Kurdistan Region’s balanced role.

“I expressed my appreciation for the balanced position of the Kurdish Regional Government, even in the face of tensions at the border with Iran: at this stage, it is essential to exercise caution and restraint to avoid further escalation,” Foreign Minister Tajani said in a post on X.

“We expressed our strongest condemnation of the drone attack on the Italian base in Erbil and agreed to stay in touch to clarify the circumstances surrounding it,” he added.

“I reiterated Italy’s solidarity in the face of the unacceptable attacks on Kurdistan and other areas of Iraq. I thanked Barzani for the assistance provided to our Consulate in Erbil, including in facilitating the return of some of our personnel. Continuing to ensure the safety of our military personnel and compatriots is the top priority.”

On X, President Nechirvan Barzani “strongly condemned last night’s attack on the Italian military base in the Kurdistan Region and thanked Italy for its continued support for Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.”

Last night, Italy’s military base in Erbil was hit by a drone strike, but no Italian military personnel were injured. Foreign Minister Tajani confirmed on Wednesday that they were safe in their bunkers.

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In June last year, Italy’s Consul General Tommaso Sansone underlined that Italy is proud of the partnership with the Peshmerga forces in the war on terror in a speech during the Italy Day celebration in Erbil.

“Italian assets carry on the partnership with the Peshmerga, providing training and support as part of the coalition against ISIS. I would like to stress my deepest appreciation to all Italian military staff, including our Carabinieri, for their dedication and professionalism in their crucial mission in all governorates of the Kurdistan Region,” Consul General Sansone said at the time.