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Cecilia Sala’s release was the result of a “complex diplomatic triangulation with Iran and the United States”.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni responded to questions from journalists at her annual press conference this Thursday, commenting on the release of journalist Cecilia Sala after 21 days in prison in Tehran, Iran. It was a good day for all of Italy and for me. Calling her mother to tell her that her daughter was coming home was the greatest emotion in the last two years,’ said the Italian Prime Minister.
Cecilia Sala’s release from Iran’s Evin prison is an example of how determined leadership and a well-orchestrated diplomatic strategy can produce extraordinary results. The moment of her return to Italy was greeted with joy and relief throughout the country. His release is a sign of Italy’s ability to play a leading role on the international chessboard.
Giorgia Meloni, with her ability to build bridges and manage complex situations, has shown herself to be a figure of great international stature. This episode will go down in history as a model of effective diplomacy and a source of pride for the whole of Italy because the result obtained was by no means a foregone conclusion. The scenario involved enormous risks for Italy’s national security, as we shall briefly explain below.
The kidnapping of Cecilia Sala was a national security problem for several reasons:
Risk to Italian citizens abroad: The affair demonstrated the vulnerability of Italian citizens, especially those working in conflict areas. Failure to intervene could have sent a message that Italy was unable to protect its citizens.
Geopolitical stability: The kidnapping was linked to international tensions, particularly between Iran and the West. Italy’s position as a mediator would have been compromised if it had not intervened decisively.
International relations: The handling of the affair involved world powers such as the United States and Iran. Failure to liberate the prisoners could have weakened Italy’s credibility as a reliable interlocutor in international relations.
Influence of extremist groups: Sala’s capture could have been used by extremist groups for propaganda purposes, increasing the risk of destabilisation in regions of strategic interest to Italy.
Domestic political implications: The affair also had domestic implications. Failure to recover Cecilia Sala could have increased criticism of the government and undermined public confidence in the institutions.
These factors made the Sala case a top priority for the Italian government and for Giorgia Meloni, who mobilised all available diplomatic and operational resources to ensure a positive outcome.
Giorgia Meloni’s diplomatic skills were one of the key elements in the whole affair. Working on several fronts, she demonstrated a remarkable talent for balancing conflicting interests and building strategic alliances.
One of the most significant episodes was her rush to Mar-a-Lago to meet Donald Trump. This seemingly informal meeting was, in fact, a crucial moment in gaining the Republican leader’s support and strengthening the US commitment to resolving the case. Meloni was able to engage both Trump and President Joe Biden, using a parallel dialogue strategy to maximise US support.
In addition, Meloni maintained a constant and discreet dialogue with Iran, ensuring that negotiations did not stall. His ability to negotiate directly with the most hostile interlocutors, without ever losing sight of national interests, was crucial to the success of the operation.
The support of the United States was crucial, but it must be stressed that this was achieved thanks to the patient and behind-the-scenes work of the Italian government. Biden provided intelligence resources to facilitate the operation, while Trump used his influence to open informal channels of dialogue. The cooperation between Italy and the United States proved to be a virtuous example of how transatlantic relations can work even in complex situations. Giorgia Meloni’s strategy was characterised by a combination of pragmatism and boldness. She was able to move nimbly between domestic and international dynamics, demonstrating a unique ability to adapt to changing circumstances. The decision to engage international leaders of different political persuasions, such as Biden and Trump, is an example of how Meloni was able to use all available options to achieve her goal.
Meloni has shown that it is possible to be a staunch supporter of the transatlantic alliance and its main ally, the United States, without abandoning crucial issues of national interest.
It is no coincidence that the US national security adviser, John Kirby, said in a briefing with a small group of journalists: ‘Cecilia Sala’s case was an Italian government decision and it is Rome that has to answer certain questions. It was an Italian decision from start to finish,” Kirby reiterated, stressing that “unfortunately the Iranian regime continues to unjustly detain people from many other countries, often to use them as political leverage, and every one of them should now be released.
Negotiating with Iran was one of the most complex knots in the whole affair. Meloni was able to strike a balance between firmness and diplomacy, ensuring that Cecilia Sala’s release was treated as a top priority. Diplomatic sources report that the Prime Minister maintained a direct dialogue with key members of the Iranian government, establishing a solid channel of communication despite geopolitical tensions.
At the national level, Giorgia Meloni orchestrated an impeccable operational machine, relying on her most trusted collaborators. The head of the AISE, Gianni Caravelli, provided operational support in the field, while Alfredo Mantovano, undersecretary of state for intelligence, oversaw operations in Italy. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, on the other hand, worked tirelessly to keep diplomatic channels open. But it was Meloni’s leadership style that united and coordinated all these efforts, keeping the focus on the ultimate goal.
Cecilia Sala’s release was greeted with enthusiasm in Italy, but its impact goes far beyond this specific case. This episode has strengthened Italy’s credibility on the international stage, demonstrating that the country is capable of playing a leading role even in highly complex situations. Giorgia Meloni emerges from this episode as a strong and decisive leader, capable of representing Italian interests with authority and strategic vision.