Italy plans to send air defence aid to the Gulf

Italy is planning to send air defence aid to Gulf ⁠countries in response to Iranian air strikes, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said, underscoring Rome’s concern for ​the safety of ‌its citizens and troops in the region as well as for energy security.



"Like the United Kingdom, France and Germany, Italy intends to send assistance to Gulf countries, specifically in the field of defence and in particular air defence," Meloni in an interview with a local radio station.



She said ‌the move ‌was driven not only ​by diplomatic ties but by the presence of Italians on the ground.



Tens of thousands of Italian nationals live in the Gulf, while around 2,000 Italian troops are deployed there.



Meloni also addressed questions ​about the possible use of U.S. military bases on Italian soil, saying Italy and its allies were respecting the terms of existing bilateral agreements.