00:00Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni has called on the European Union to take a tougher stance on Iran,
00:06including the possibility of new sanctions if Tehran does not help end the Middle East crisis.
00:12She said the EU must be ready to increase pressure if Iran continues to threaten freedom of navigation,
00:18support militias or breach international obligations.
00:22However, Meloni said Europe must maintain open to diplomacy,
00:26adding that sanctions could be eased if Iran shows a genuine willingness to return to talks.
00:32She added Italy is supporting efforts to keep shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz open,
00:37describing any disruption as unacceptable.
00:40On Ukraine, Meloni called for a single European representative for peace talks with Russia,
00:45saying the current approach of multiple voices weakens the EU's position.
00:49Her comments come after leaders from Britain, France and Germany met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
00:55last Sunday to reaffirm support for ceasefire talks with Moscow.
00:59Meanwhile, diplomats from France, Germany and the UK held separate talks
01:03with the Russian foreign ministry in Moscow on Thursday.
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