Italy will send air-defence systems to Gulf countries targeted during Iran’s retaliation following attacks by the United States and Israel, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Thursday, as tensions across the Middle East continue to escalate.
Speaking to RTL 102.5 radio, Meloni said Italy would join other European partners in providing defensive support to countries in the region that have come under fire from Iran.
“Like the United Kingdom, France and Germany, Italy intends to send aid to the Gulf countries,” Meloni said. She stressed that the assistance would be defensive in nature, focusing specifically on air-defence systems.
The prime minister said the move was necessary both because the countries involved are allies and because of the large Italian presence in the region.
“There are tens of thousands of Italians in that area and around 2,000 soldiers that we must protect,” Meloni said, adding that the Gulf region is also strategically important for global energy supplies.
Meloni speaks with Macron about Gulf crisis
Meloni also held a telephone conversation on Thursday with Emmanuel Macron, President of France, to discuss the conflict and its wider implications.
According to a statement from the Italian government, the two leaders examined the impact of the hostilities on the Middle East and the wider international situation, with particular attention to the potential risks for freedom of navigation.
Meloni and Macron reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Gulf countries affected by Iranian attacks and discussed security concerns involving Cyprus, as well as the need to avoid further military escalation in Lebanon. They agreed to remain in close contact as the situation develops.
Italy raises own air-defence readiness
Meanwhile, Guido Crosetto, Italy’s defence minister, told parliament that Italy has raised its air-defence readiness to the highest level following recent developments in the region.
Crosetto said the decision came after strikes hit Cyprus and after NATO intercepted a missile over Turkey during Iran’s response to the attacks by the United States and Israel.
“Given what happened in Turkey and what happened in Cyprus, I have instructed the Defence Chief of Staff to raise the level of national air and anti-ballistic defence to the maximum, in coordination with our allies and with NATO,” Crosetto told the Italian lower house.
He warned that the situation remained unpredictable. “In the face of a reckless reaction, we can expect anything,” he said.
Crosetto confirmed that Italy would provide air-defence support to Gulf states under attack and would also assist Cyprus together with Spain. The minister added that around 250 Italian troops stationed in the region are being relocated to Saudi Arabia as part of precautionary measures to protect personnel and reinforce defensive capabilities.
