Italy Sends Air-Defence Aid to Gulf Countries

Italy will provide air-defence assistance to Gulf countries targeted by Iranian strikes carried out in retaliation for attacks by the United States and Israel, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Thursday.

Speaking in a radio interview, Meloni said Italy planned to join other European partners in offering support to countries in the Gulf region. 

According to her, the assistance would be defensive in nature and focused on strengthening air-defence capabilities.

She explained that the move was not only based on diplomatic ties but also on the need to protect Italian nationals and troops stationed in the region, noting that thousands of Italians live there alongside roughly 2,000 Italian soldiers.

Meloni also stressed the strategic importance of the Gulf for Europe’s energy supply, saying stability in the region was crucial for both Italy and the wider continent.

“Italy, like the UK, France and Germany, intends to send aid to the Gulf countries,” she told RTL 102.5 radio.

“We are clearly talking about defence, air defence, not just because they are friendly nations but because there are tens of thousands of Italians in that area and around 2,000 Italian soldiers that we must protect.

“And the Gulf is vital for energy supplies for Italy and Europe.”

Addressing the possibility that American military bases located in Italy could be drawn into the conflict, the prime minister said the facilities currently have approval only for non-combat operations.

Any expansion of that mandate, she noted, would require consideration by the Italian government and likely the country’s parliament.

However, Meloni added that no request had been made so far to use the bases for additional military operations.