Iran crisis: Italia towards an aid decree, the hypothesis of anti-drone systems and Samp/T to the Gulf

Anti-drone devices and, if possible, the powerful Samp/T ground-to-air defence system for Kuwait or the Arab Emirates. Italia is preparing to do its part in support of the Middle Eastern territories that have become targets of Iranian missiles. "All the Gulf countries have asked us for help right now," explains Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, announcing a package that could arrive with "a decree-law or as quickly as possible". At the moment, there is talk in government circles of 'arrangements' and the intention is to move in coordination with EU countries for this type of support.

But there is no certainty about the timing. The earliest date on the agenda could be next Friday's (6 March) Cdm, but for the moment this hypothesis remains distant if not excluded. In any case, the modalities should be the same as those that led to the aid package for the Ukraine shortly after the Russian invasion four years ago: the resolution of a 'state of emergency for intervention abroad as a result of the serious emergency situation in the Gulf territories' would therefore lay the foundations for the launch of the measure, which would then have to pass the scrutiny of parliament.

Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini also announced that 'Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will go to Parliament' to address the issue of the crisis in the Middle East. But it is precisely from the League that the first warnings arrive: 'There are international agreements to be respected, such as NATO. On the other hand, I think our help should be oriented towards the support we gave to Ukraine, that is, logistical support and without sending soldiers'.

The other delicate issue is the possible concession of Italian bases at the American request for offensive actions against Iran. This aspect becomes even more critical in light of Tehran's recent threats, according to which "defensive actions by European countries would be considered an act of war". On this, Crosetto takes time: the use of our bases by the US "is a government decision. When they ask us, we will answer'.

In the meantime, supplies are already being considered. Among the first to ask Italia for support were the United Arab Emirates and, in the last few hours, also Kuwait. Rome has at its disposal radars and a series of electronic intelligence instruments through the satellite network. Naval assets and spy planes could also be useful. All this considering that Italian capabilities are already strongly committed to European needs on the eastern flank, for the support provided to Ukraine. The most powerful means of defence - which would make the difference on the weight of the balance of our aid - is certainly the Samp/T: the surface-to-air system that intercepts and then neutralises threats from the sky with missiles, two of which have already been supplied to Kiev (one, however, was destroyed by Moscow troops), is assembled in collaboration with France and the production of its components takes a long time. Italy should currently have four more at its disposal: one is in Estonia and would remain in Eastern Europe to guarantee the security of the area, two others are in Sabaudia to defend our country, and a third is in Mantua.