Italy plans to send air defence aid to Gulf states after Iranian strikes, Meloni says - Reuters

"We are clearly talking about defence, air defence, not just because they are friendly nations, but because there are tens of thousands of Italians in that area and around 2,000 Italian soldiers that we must protect."

— Giorgia Meloni , Politician

"Like the United Kingdom, France and Germany, Italy intends to send assistance to Gulf countries, specifically in the field of defence and in particular air defence."

— Giorgia Meloni , Politician

"Italy, like the UK, France and Germany, intends to send aid to the Gulf countries."

— Giorgia Meloni , Politician

"The assistance sent to Gulf nations would be air defence, anti-drone and anti-missile systems."

— Guido Crosetto , Politician

"Some strategic Gulf nations have formally requested Italy's support to strengthen their air defence capabilities against attacks coming from Iran."

— Antonio Tajani , Politician

"The moves coincide with the strengthening of French nuclear deterrence laid out on Monday."

— Emmanuel Macron , Politician

"The idea is to demonstrate that France participates in securing international spaces and is committed to protecting its interests in the Middle East region, including the Gulf."

— Rachid Chaker , Academic

"They conducted their airspace security operations over our bases and therefore over the Emirates."

— Jean-Noel Barrot , Politician

"France is ready to protect the UAE with Rafale jets."

— Catherine Vautrin , Politician