Italy summoned Iran’s ambassador to Rome after an Iranian lawmaker tore up a photograph of Italian President Sergio Mattarella and other European leaders during a parliamentary session in Tehran, Iran. The act was carried out by Iranian MP Mojtaba Zarei, who criticized Western countries and shouted slogans in support of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said the ambassador was summoned to convey “strong condemnation” and expressed solidarity with Mattarella. The incident follows a recent protest in the European Parliament in which MEP Isabella Tovaglieri tore up a photo of Khamenei