Italy Plans Air Defense Aid to Gulf States

Italy plans to provide air defense assistance to Gulf countries in response to Iranian airstrikes, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Thursday.

Meloni said Rome intends to support Gulf partners with defensive capabilities, particularly in the area of air defense, aligning with similar efforts by the United Kingdom, France and Germany.

She said the decision reflects Italy’s interest in protecting its citizens and military personnel stationed in the region, as well as safeguarding critical energy supplies. Tens of thousands of Italian nationals live in Gulf countries, while about 2,000 Italian troops are deployed there.

Meloni stressed that the Gulf region remains strategically important for energy security in both Italy and Europe, making regional stability a key priority for Rome.

Addressing questions about the possible use of US military bases located in Italy, Meloni said Rome and its allies continue to respect the terms of existing bilateral agreements. Italy hosts several bases used by the United States under defense arrangements dating back to 1954 and updated over time.

She explained that current agreements mainly cover logistical activities and so-called non-kinetic operations, which do not involve combat strikes.

Meloni added that if requests were made to expand the use of Italian bases, the government would evaluate them in coordination with parliament. However, she said no such requests have been received so far, emphasizing that Italy is not at war and does not want to enter one.