Italian President Sergio Mattarella highlighted the significant ties between the upcoming Winter Olympic Games in Italy and the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, emphasizing the potential for collaboration between the two nations to convey a powerful message of peace and unity through the universal language of sport.
Mattarella noted that the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, the fourth Olympic Games to be held in Italy, present a unique opportunity for Italy and China to collaborate on a joint initiative promoting peace and unity, during an interview with the China Media Group (CMG) in Beijing aired Friday.
"The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 has close ties with the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. Milano-Cortina received the torch from Beijing and is prepared to hold the next Winter Olympics. This action jointly promotes a message of peace through the Olympic Games, which is the real meaning of the Olympics," he said.
The Winter Olympics have served as a catalyst for deepening cultural and practical ties between China and Italy, with the co-hosting of Winter Olympics-themed exhibitions in Beijing and Milan in 2022. This marked a significant milestone in the strengthening of bilateral relations, which has since been accompanied by a surge in people-to-people exchanges between the two nations.
Italy receives Winter Olympic torch from Beijing: Italian president
Italy receives Winter Olympic torch from Beijing: Italian president
Italy receives Winter Olympic torch from Beijing: Italian president
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Monday that Iran has obtained extensive documents and evidence linking the recent unrest across the country to the U.S. and Israel, noting that Mossad agents attempted to direct such "terrorist acts."
Araghchi said at a press conference in Tehran that since Dec 28, 2025, Iran had seen peaceful demonstrations organized by industry associations and economic professional. In the following days, more participants joined, and the situation gradually escalated from peaceful rallies into violent clashes.
Beginning on Jan 8, terrorists and armed groups carrying weapons entered protest sites and opened fire on police and civilians, with the aim of steering demonstrations toward violence, bloodshed and chaos, he said.
"Israeli media reports are rife with claims that Israel has designed and conducted operations in Iran. Mr. [Mike] Pompeo, who was Trump's CIA director, said on his X that 'Happy New Year to every Iranian in the streets. Also to every Mossad agent walking beside them.' This clearly shows that Mossad agents attempted to direct such terrorist acts," the minister said. Addressing military threats from the U.S. and Israel, Araghchi said Iran does not seek war but is fully prepared to face up to war. He added that Iran is ready for serious and pragmatic negotiations with the U.S., but the talks must be based on fairness, equality and mutual respect, rather than unilateral pressure or directives from Washington.
On the same day, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei condemned the U.S. and Israel at a regular press briefing in Tehran. He said the two countries have made "extensive interventionist remarks" regarding Iran's situation, saying such statements are intended to foment chaos, violence and instability.
The spokesman said Iran is closely monitoring the development of the situation and remains fully prepared, warning that Iran's armed forces will respond to any act of aggression by its enemies.
Mossad agents attempt to direct terrorist acts: Iranian FM
