Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced that Italy plans to send air defense assistance to Gulf countries targeted by Iranian strikes, which were launched in retaliation for US-Israeli attacks. Speaking to RTL 102.5 radio on March 5, 2026, Meloni stated, “Like the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, Italy intends to send assistance to Gulf countries, specifically in the field of defense and in particular air defense.”
The decision stems from the presence of tens of thousands of Italian nationals and approximately 2,000 Italian troops in the region, as well as the Gulf’s importance for Italy’s and Europe’s energy supplies. “These are people we want to, and must, protect,” Meloni emphasized. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told parliament that strategic Gulf nations have formally requested Italy’s support to bolster their air defense against Iranian attacks. The foreign ministry has already facilitated the evacuation of about 10,000 Italians from at-risk areas.
Defense Minister Guido Crosetto specified that the aid includes air defense, anti-drone, and anti-missile systems. Crosetto also ordered maximum protection for Italy’s air and missile defense network in coordination with NATO. Separately, Italy will deploy naval assets alongside France, Spain, and the Netherlands to defend EU member Cyprus in the coming days.
Meloni addressed concerns over three US military bases in Italy, noting existing agreements from 1954—updated over time—authorize logistics and non-kinetic operations, defined as non-bombing activities. Broader use would require government and parliamentary approval, but no such requests have been received. “We are not at war, and we do not want to enter a war,” she affirmed. Crosetto confirmed this to parliament.