ByREUTERS
Updated:

Italy's government is likely to provide military aid, including an air defense system, to Gulf nations that have requested help with equipment in the face of Iranian air strikes, two sources said on Wednesday.

The sources, who asked not to be named, said that while a final decision had not yet been made, Italy would probably send one of its SAMP/T batteries that can intercept ballistic missiles. They would not say which country would receive the system or which battery Rome was considering to redeploy.

Attacks by Israeli and US forces against Iran have prompted Tehran to launch retaliatory strikes on ports, cities and oil facilities throughout the Gulf, a vital energy-producing region. Italy is not particularly reliant on energy supplies from the Gulf, but its energy minister said on Wednesday the country could reactivate some coal-fired power plants ‌if the conflict leads to an energy crisis.

Rome evaluating requests 

On Monday, Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said Rome had received requests for air defense ‌and anti-drone systems from the Gulf, including the SAMP/T, a Franco-Italian battery.

A third source said Italy could also provide anti-drone systems, which could be transferred quickly, although a technical assessment was still underway.

European Union Military Committee (EUMC) Chair General Sean Clancy (L) talks with the Italian Minister of Defence Guido Crosetto (R) prior the start of an EU Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting on Defence at the Europa building, the EU Council headquarters on February 11, 2026 in Brussels, Belgium.
European Union Military Committee (EUMC) Chair General Sean Clancy (L) talks with the Italian Minister of Defence Guido Crosetto (R) prior the start of an EU Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting on Defence at the Europa building, the EU Council headquarters on February 11, 2026 in Brussels, Belgium. (credit: THIERRY MONASSE/GETTY IMAGES)

Italy is already supplying the SAMP/T to Ukraine to support its war effort against the Russian invasion, and the third source ruled out diverting from Kyiv's air defences to support the Gulf states.

When asked about the possible supply of defense tools in response to the latest Middle East conflict, Cabinet Undersecretary Alfredo Mantovano told an event in Rome that the government was "evaluating requests."

As the conflict widens to the Mediterranean, Britain, France and Greece said on Tuesday that they would send air defense forces to Cyprus after drones struck the Royal ‌Air Force Akrotiri base on the island.

Italy also hosts US military bases on its territory.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said late on Tuesday that Rome had not yet received any requests to use them for operations against Iran, and would evaluate any requests if they were to arrive.