Italy to provide air defence aid to Gulf states amid Iranian strikes

Italy plans to send air defence assistance to Gulf countries in response to Iranian air strikes, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced on March 5.

"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 told radio station RTL 102.5.

She emphasised the protection of Italian citizens and personnel in the region: "This ‌is ⁠not only because they are friendly nations, but above all because tens of thousands ⁠of Italians live in the region and around 2,000 Italian troops ⁠are deployed there – people we want, and must, ⁠protect," she added.

By Sabina Mammadli