Italy Secretly Deploys Hundreds of Troops to Gulf Amid Rising Iranian Threats

Since March 2026, Italy has covertly deployed between 400 and 700 military personnel across Gulf countries in response to a surge of deadly Iranian attacks in the region. This significant military presence includes advanced air and ground defense assets positioned in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain to protect critical trade routes, energy infrastructure, and Western personnel. The air task force operates four Eurofighter Typhoon jets from King Fahd Air Base in Al-Taif, Saudi Arabia, supported by E-550A airborne early warning aircraft and logistical transports. On the ground, Italy has deployed long-range SAMP/T missile batteries, Skynex anti-drone systems, and extensive radar arrays to establish comprehensive aerial surveillance.

The operation was initiated following urgent requests from Gulf allies facing repeated Iranian strikes, which have severely damaged Kuwait and Bahrain’s power and water systems. Qatar condemned the attacks as blatant violations of sovereignty. The secret deployment was publicly revealed in late July 2026, sparking a major political controversy in Rome. Opposition parties accused Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government of deploying troops abroad without explicit parliamentary approval, a claim Defense Minister Guido Crosetto denied, asserting transparency through prior discussions and official disclosures.

Italy’s move aligns with broader regional efforts to counter Iran’s growing aggression, joining countries like Egypt, which recently enhanced its military capabilities with advanced Turkish drones. The escalating tensions in the Gulf have drawn intense diplomatic and military pressure from the United States, with former President Donald Trump warning of imminent military action if diplomacy fails. Italy’s discreet military buildup underscores Western concerns over further escalation and the strategic imperative to safeguard vital interests in the Persian Gulf.