Italy plans air defence support for Gulf countries following Iranian air strikes, citing security concerns and protection of Italian citizens.
ROME: Italy plans air defence support for Gulf countries in response to recent Iranian air strikes, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said.
Speaking to radio station RTL 102.5, Meloni confirmed that Italy is preparing to provide assistance in coordination with other European partners. The move follows similar commitments from the United Kingdom, France and Germany as tensions continue across the Middle East.
Meloni said Italy plans air defence support as part of broader efforts to strengthen regional security and protect both allied nations and Italian citizens living in the region. She noted that the Gulf hosts a large Italian community and a significant military presence.
“Like the United Kingdom, France and Germany, Italy intends to send assistance to Gulf countries, specifically in the field of defence and in particular air defence,” Meloni said during the interview.
She added that the decision is also linked to the presence of Italian nationals and military personnel stationed in the area. “This is not only because they are friendly nations, but above all because tens of thousands of Italians live in the region and around 2,000 Italian troops are deployed there – people we want, and must, protect.”
Officials said Italy plans air defence support as part of coordinated European efforts to reinforce regional stability during the current security situation. Governments across Europe have been closely monitoring developments following Iranian strikes and the broader escalation of military activity.
The proposed assistance is expected to focus on defensive capabilities, particularly systems designed to intercept missiles and drones.
