Italy's Defense Minister Apologizes for Staying in Dubai During Iran Crisis

Italy's Defense Minister Guido Crosetto has admitted to a possible error in judgment by choosing to remain in Dubai with his two sons during the initial phase of the US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran that erupted late February 2026, as the regional security crisis escalated. The admission, delivered during a parliamentary hearing alongside Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, has intensified political scrutiny over his decision-making during one of the most volatile geopolitical episodes in recent Middle Eastern history.

Why This Matters

• Government accountability under fire: The opposition Five Star Movement has called for Crosetto's resignation, arguing the minister's absence from Rome during a crisis undermines national security credibility.

• No advance warning to Italy: Neither the Italian Ministry of Defense nor its European counterparts were notified by Washington or Tel Aviv before the February 28 strikes that killed Iran's Supreme Leader.

• Regional escalation: The counter-attacks hit Dubai and Abu Dhabi on March 1, disrupting regional transport. Crosetto chose to remain in the Emirates initially to stay with his sons before later coordinating his return.

• Political fallout at home: Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's lukewarm defense of her minister has fueled speculation about internal tensions within the ruling coalition.

The Timeline of Events

Crosetto departed for Dubai on a private ticket in late February, planning to combine family time with informal institutional meetings and avoid burdening state coffers. He publicly disclosed his presence in the Emirates—a detail he emphasized repeatedly during the March 2 hearing.

On February 28, the United States and Israel launched coordinated airstrikes targeting Iran's nuclear facilities, missile sites, and leadership. Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in the operation. The following day, Tehran retaliated with drone strikes on multiple Gulf cities, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as well as targets in Israel. Regional airspace was affected, disrupting travel connectivity.

By March 1, Crosetto found himself coordinating remotely with the Italian Ministry of Defense from Dubai and reassuring Italian nationals in the Emirates. He described arranging private transport to move his sons to Muscat, Oman, before returning to Italy on a military flight—for which he reportedly paid triple the standard state fare to avoid controversy over misuse of public resources.

"I made it public that I was there," Crosetto told lawmakers. "Remaining was my choice. Perhaps I was wrong as a minister, and I apologize, but my two sons were there and I wanted to stay with them."

Government Continuity During Crisis

For Italy's government and residents, the episode raises important questions about government continuity during international emergencies. While Crosetto insists he maintained full operational control—using secure communication tools to monitor Italian military bases and personnel—the decision to prioritize family commitments during a major security crisis has prompted legitimate debate about ministerial responsibilities.

The incident underscores how geopolitical volatility can create situations where personal and professional obligations collide. For Italians living or traveling in the Middle East, the Foreign Ministry's crisis response—which included urgent advisories on February 28 through the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Farnesina)—demonstrates the importance of heeding official guidance during regional instability.

For investors and businesses, the broader conflict threatens critical infrastructure. The Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea shipping lanes remain vulnerable, with potential knock-on effects for European energy markets and supply chains.

Parliamentary Scrutiny and Coalition Tensions

During the joint Chamber and Senate committee hearing on March 2, Crosetto spent over two hours defending his conduct alongside Tajani. Both ministers confirmed that Italy, Germany, and Poland were informed of the strikes only after operations had commenced—a revelation that has stoked frustration in European capitals over Washington's unilateral decision-making.

Crosetto rejected accusations he was on holiday and neglecting his duties. "I do my job as minister the same way I do when flying abroad," he said. "I connect daily with the ministry using secure tools. I never lost sight of a single Italian soldier, a single base, nothing in Italy."

Yet his explanation has not satisfied critics. Giuseppe Conte, leader of the Five Star Movement, questioned the narrative around the trip. "First you said it was private, then institutional to meet an Emirati minister, then you said you went to protect your family and other Italians—what about the rest? We cannot feel safe with this government," Conte argued.

Riccardo Magi, another opposition figure, called the joint appearance "inadequate." Even within the ruling coalition, there are murmurs of discontent. According to multiple sources in the majority, Prime Minister Meloni offered only a measured defense in a television interview: "I can say that Crosetto never stopped doing his work."

The Broader Geopolitical Landscape

The conflict, sometimes referred to as the Third Gulf War, has exposed deep divisions within Europe. On March 3, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom signaled readiness for defensive actions, while Spain refused to back the US operation. The European Union condemned Iran's "unjustifiable" retaliatory strikes but has struggled to present a unified strategic response.

For Italy, the crisis poses both immediate and structural challenges. The government must balance its commitments as a NATO member and host to US military bases with diplomatic efforts to contain the conflict. There are also legal questions about updating the normative framework governing Italian participation in international missions, particularly as the crisis drags on.

Crosetto acknowledged the unpredictability of the escalation. "No one was warned," he said. "I wrote to all my European colleagues and none of them knew anything. It's proven by the fact that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was expected in Israel at the time."

A Minister Under Pressure

The controversy has placed Crosetto in an uncomfortable spotlight. While he maintains he acted transparently and continued to fulfill his responsibilities remotely, the decision to prioritize staying with his family during an international security emergency has resonated poorly with opposition lawmakers and segments of the public.

His later decision to leave his sons in Oman rather than bring them back on the military flight—despite the plane being half-empty—was framed as an attempt to avoid further accusations of impropriety. "I didn't bring them because it seemed institutionally wrong," he explained. "They will return with the same options available to all other Italians."

Whether Crosetto's apology and detailed account will be enough to quell calls for resignation remains uncertain. For now, the episode serves as a case study in the collision of personal responsibility and public duty during an international crisis—and a reminder that ministerial decisions during emergencies carry significant political consequences.