The Italian government on Thursday announced plans to provide air defence assistance to Gulf countries and deploy naval assets to Cyprus following recent Iranian strikes, citing concerns over the safety of Italian citizens, troops and regional energy security.
The announcement comes as the conflict between the United States and Iran enters its sixth day, spreading beyond the Gulf and rattling global markets while leaving thousands of tourists and residents stranded as they attempt to leave the Middle East.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Rome was ready to respond to requests from Gulf nations seeking defensive systems to counter Iranian air attacks.
“These are people we want to, and must, protect,” Meloni told Italian radio station RTL 102.5.
In parliament, Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said Italy had raised its national air defence systems to the highest alert level in response to the escalating crisis.
“When faced with a reckless reaction, we can expect anything and everything,” Crosetto said, referring to Iran’s retaliatory strikes in recent days.
He added that Italy, alongside some European allies, intends to send naval vessels to help protect the island nation of Cyprus.
Sources told Reuters that potential military assistance to Gulf nations could include the deployment of SAMP/T surface-to-air missile batteries, though officials said a final decision had not yet been made. The government did not specify which countries might receive the systems.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told lawmakers that Italy had already helped around 10,000 citizens leave the region since the conflict began.
Tens of thousands of Italians live in the Middle East, while more than 2,500 Italian troops were stationed in the area before hostilities intensifies.
Meanwhile, opposition lawmakers criticised Meloni for not appearing in parliament to discuss the crisis.
Centrist lawmaker Benedetto Della Vedova said the prime minister’s absence was unacceptable.
“This is not acceptable. She was supposed to be here today,” Della Vedova told lawmakers.
During her radio interview, Meloni also addressed questions about whether US forces could use American military bases located in Italy for operations related to the conflict.
She said Rome had not received any such request, but noted that parliament would be consulted if one were made.
Italy hosts several US military bases under agreements dating back to 1954, which have since been updated. Meloni explained that existing arrangements allow logistical support and so-called “non-kinetic operations,” meaning activities that do not involve direct bombing missions.
The escalating confrontation in the Middle East continues to raise concerns among European governments over regional stability, energy supply routes and the safety of their citizens abroad.
