ROME March 5, 2026 – Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has announced that Italy will provide air defense assistance to Gulf countries in response to recent Iranian air strikes, which were launched in retaliation for U.S.-Israeli military actions. This move aligns Italy with other European nations, including the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, in bolstering defensive capabilities in the region.
In an interview with RTL 102.5 radio, Meloni emphasized the defensive nature of the aid, stating, “Italy, like the UK, France and Germany, intends to send aid to the Gulf countries. 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.” She further highlighted the Gulf’s critical role in energy supplies for Italy and Europe.
The assistance is expected to include advanced systems such as the SAMP/T missile shields, capable of intercepting ballistic missiles, along with anti-drone and anti-missile equipment. Italian officials have indicated that this support aims to address urgent requests from Gulf states amid the ongoing conflict, but it will not involve diverting resources currently allocated to Ukraine.
The announcement comes as the Middle East faces heightened instability, with Iranian strikes targeting Gulf nations prompting international responses. Italy’s Defense Minister Guido Crosetto also mentioned plans to deploy a multi-domain force, including naval assets to Cyprus in coordination with Spain and France, to enhance regional security.
Reactions on social media have been mixed, with some users questioning the consistency of Italy’s foreign policy and others expressing concerns about escalation toward a broader conflict. One post highlighted the irony of aiding Gulf countries while Italy has been cautious about deeper involvement in other conflicts.
This development underscores the growing international dimension of the U.S.-Iran tensions, with European powers stepping in to safeguard allies and economic interests in the Gulf.
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