Italy Urges Gulf States to Bolster Defenses Amid Rising Iran-Israel Tensions
March 2, 2026
Gulf nations are seeking the Franco-Italian SAMP/T to counter regional tensions, including Israeli strikes, Hezbollah activity, and Iranian missiles and drones.
Italy is seeing heightened demand from Gulf states for air defense and anti-drone systems amid the Iran-Israel-U.S. conflict, according to Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, who urged Gulf countries to strengthen their defenses.
Crosetto highlighted an urgent need for Gulf states to deploy Italy’s SAMP/T system, along with other advanced defenses, to bolster regional security.
Italy is already supplying SAMP/T systems to Ukraine, which constrains availability for Gulf requests and adds strain to European defense commitments.
The remarks were delivered during a parliamentary committee hearing in Rome.
The report cites News.Az and notes foreign-media attribution with added context on regional events.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani described the regional crisis as posing direct security risks to Italy itself.
Tajani warned that the conflict poses a direct threat to Italy’s security, underscoring broader regional risk.
Crosetto’s comments followed his return from Dubai, where he and his family faced travel disruption amid strikes connected to Iran; Tajani reiterated the direct threat to Italy.
Crosetto had just returned to Rome from Dubai, where flight suspensions tied to Israel–U.S. strikes on Iran disrupted travel.
The travel disruption in Dubai occurred as Crosetto and his family faced delays due to Iran-related military actions.
Speaking before a parliamentary committee, Crosetto emphasized an urgent need to enhance air defense capabilities.
Summary based on 7 sources
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Sources

Reuters • Mar 2, 2026
Italy says Gulf countries have requested air defence systems
U.S. News & World Report • Mar 2, 2026
Italy Says Gulf Countries Have Requested Air Defence Systems
Devdiscourse • Mar 2, 2026
Gulf Tension Spurs Italy's Defence Response