Italy likely to send military aid to Gulf states, sources say

ROME, March 4 - Italy's government is likely to provide military aid, including an air defence system, to Gulf nations that have requested help with equipment in the face of Iranian air strikes, two sources said on Wednesday. Read more at straitstimes.com.

ROME, March 4 - Italy's government is likely to provide military aid, including an air defence 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 redeploying.

Attacks by Israeli and U.S. 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, Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said Rome had received requests for air defence 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 under way.