Italy is considering deploying air defence systems to Gulf countries after Iranian strikes, as Rome weighs military support requests from regional partners.
Italy is preparing to provide military aid, including advanced air defence systems, to Gulf countries that have requested support following Iranian air strikes in the region, sources told Reuters on Thursday.
While no final decision has been made, officials indicated that one of Italy’s SAMP/T missile batteries, capable of intercepting ballistic threats, could be deployed. The potential recipient countries and the specific units to be sent have not been disclosed, according to a Reuters report.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni confirmed that Italy would respond to requests from Gulf nations while ensuring the safety of Italians in the region.
“These are people we want to, and must, protect,” she said in a radio interview, stressing that the government’s priority is both the security of its citizens and regional stability.
Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said Italy had raised its national air defence to the highest alert level and would deploy naval assets to Cyprus alongside European allies as tensions escalate.
Requests from Gulf countries include not only missile defence but also anti-drone systems that could be deployed quickly. However, Rome is conducting technical assessments and has ruled out diverting systems currently assisting Ukraine in its war against Russian forces.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said around 10,000 Italian nationals had been evacuated so far, out of tens of thousands living in the affected region, where more than 2,500 Italian troops had already been stationed before the conflict intensified.
Meloni also addressed the potential use of U.S. military bases in Italy, saying no formal requests had been received but that parliament would be involved if any were made.
Italy hosts several U.S. bases under longstanding agreements allowing logistical and non-kinetic support, which do not include combat operations.
The Italian government’s response comes as the U.S.-Israel-Iran war has entered its sixth day, expanding beyond Gulf states, affecting global markets and prompting the evacuation of stranded tourists and citizens.
