Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Thursday said Italy does not intend to enter a war despite rising tensions in the Middle East, but is prepared to provide defensive assistance to Gulf countries to help safeguard regional stability and Italian interests.
Speaking during a live interview with Italian radio station RTL 102.5, Meloni said Italy is working alongside Britain, France and Germany to offer defensive support, particularly in the area of air defence, to countries in the Gulf.
The prime minister explained that the initiative is partly aimed at protecting tens of thousands of Italian citizens living in the region, as well as around 2,000 Italian troops currently stationed there.
She noted that the Gulf remains strategically important for global energy supplies and therefore holds significant economic and security importance for Italy.
Meloni expressed concern over the worsening situation in the Middle East, warning that the ongoing conflict risks triggering a broader escalation with unpredictable consequences.
According to her, the crisis could also pose serious challenges to international law.
“The situation risks spiralling further and creating repercussions that could affect Italy as well,” she said.
Addressing speculation about the potential use of U.S. military bases located in Italy for operations against Iran, Meloni clarified that no such request had been made by Washington.
“Italy is not at war and does not intend to enter a war,” she said, stressing that the use of American military facilities in Italy continues to follow existing bilateral agreements between the two countries.
Meloni explained that these arrangements stem from agreements originally signed in 1954 and subsequently updated over time, allowing several military installations in Italy to be made available to the United States.
The prime minister also said her government is closely monitoring the possible economic impact of the growing Middle East crisis.
She emphasized the need to prevent market speculation that could lead to rising energy and food prices.
According to Meloni, safeguarding economic stability will remain a priority as geopolitical tensions continue to unfold.
