Politics
Italy to Send Air-Defence Systems to Gulf States, Says Meloni
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced on Thursday that Italy will supply air-defence systems to Gulf states, a move framed as a protective measure for both strategic national interests and Italian citizens in the region. The decision comes in the wake of heightened tensions following Iran's military response to recent attacks by the United States and Israel.
In an interview with RTL 102.5 radio, Meloni confirmed Italy's participation in a broader Western effort to bolster the Gulf's defensive capabilities. "Like the UK, France and Germany, Italy intends to send aid to the Gulf countries," she stated. The Prime Minister emphasized that the aid would be strictly defensive in nature, specifying that the discussions concern "defence, air defence."
Meloni outlined a threefold rationale for the Italian government's decision. The first is based on diplomatic solidarity with "friend nations." Secondly, and most critically, she cited the immediate need to ensure the safety of the substantial Italian presence in the area. "There are tens of thousands of Italians in that area and around 2,000 soldiers that we must protect," Meloni said, highlighting a direct national security imperative.
The third reason is economic, with the Prime Minister underscoring the region's critical role for Italy's energy security and broader supply chains. "The Gulf is vital for supplies," she noted, framing the deployment of defensive systems as a measure to help stabilize a region essential to the national interest.
The announcement places Italy alongside key European allies in responding to the escalating cycle of violence in the Middle East. While Meloni did not specify which Gulf states would receive the systems or provide a timeline for their delivery, her statement signals Rome's intent to play an active role in the collective Western response to the crisis and its potential spillover effects.
