Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced that Italy will send air defence systems to Gulf states currently facing attacks from Iran, citing the need to protect both allied nations and Italian nationals in the region.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Meloni said Italy intends to provide support alongside the United Kingdom, France and Germany as tensions continue to rise in the Gulf. “Italy, like the United Kingdom, France and Germany, intends to send aid to the Gulf countries,” she said.
The prime minister stressed that the decision is motivated not only by diplomatic ties but also by the presence of Italian citizens and military personnel in the area. She noted that tens of thousands of Italians are living and working in Gulf countries, while approximately 2,000 Italian soldiers are stationed there.
“Our commitment is also linked to the need to guarantee the safety of our compatriots and our armed forces,” Meloni said, underlining that the deteriorating security situation requires coordinated European action.
The announcement comes amid continued missile and drone attacks attributed to Iran, which have heightened concerns over regional stability and the safety of foreign nationals and military deployments. Several European governments have stepped up security cooperation and defence coordination in response to the escalating crisis.
Meloni also confirmed that authorisations are already in place allowing the United States to use its military bases in Italy for certain operations, provided they do not involve bombing missions. She clarified that any change to this arrangement, particularly if it were to include direct combat operations such as air strikes, would require formal approval from both the Italian government and parliament.
Italy hosts several key US military facilities, which play a strategic role in NATO operations and broader security efforts in the Mediterranean region. The prime minister’s remarks appear aimed at reassuring lawmakers and the public that Italy retains full oversight of how its territory is used during the current crisis.
Opposition parties are expected to seek further clarification in parliament regarding the scope and duration of Italy’s military assistance, as well as the specific nature of the air defence systems to be deployed.
The move signals Rome’s readiness to take a more active role in supporting Gulf partners while balancing domestic political oversight and the protection of Italian citizens abroad as tensions with Iran continue to unfold.
