By Muhammad Mamman
Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, has accused the United States and Israel of dragging European interests into a deepening Middle East conflict, following reports that thousands of Italian and NATO troops have been exposed to Iranian missile strikes in Kuwait.
Speaking during an emergency parliamentary briefing in Rome, Meloni said recent escalations have placed European forces stationed in the Gulf at significant risk, warning that Italy “cannot afford to be drawn into another prolonged and destabilising war in the Middle East.”
Her remarks come after Iranian missile attacks reportedly targeted military facilities in Kuwait that host multinational forces, including personnel from Italy and other members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). While casualty figures remain unclear, defence sources indicated that infrastructure damage was “considerable”, raising fresh concerns about the safety of deployed troops.
Tehran has framed its missile operations as a response to what it describes as coordinated military pressure from Washington and Tel Aviv. The Iran government has not publicly acknowledged specific targets involving European forces but reiterated its warning that any country aligning with US or Israeli military actions would be considered a “legitimate strategic concern”.
Italy maintains a military presence in Kuwait as part of international coalition efforts aimed at regional security and counterterrorism operations. Defence analysts say the latest developments risk widening the conflict beyond its initial flashpoints, potentially drawing in European nations that have sought to balance strategic alliances with diplomatic caution.
Meloni called for an urgent diplomatic initiative within the European Union, stressing that Europe must assert an independent foreign policy stance. “Our alliances are important,” she said, “but so too is the protection of European lives and interests.”
Officials in Washington and Tel Aviv have yet to respond directly to the Italian prime minister’s comments. However, US defence officials have previously stated that their operations in the region are designed to deter aggression and protect allied forces.
The escalation has triggered renewed debate within Europe over military commitments in the Gulf and the broader implications of rising tensions between Iran and Israel. Security experts warn that further missile exchanges or retaliatory strikes could push the region into a broader confrontation with global repercussions.
As diplomatic channels scramble to contain the fallout, European leaders face mounting pressure to clarify their role in a rapidly intensifying conflict that shows few signs of abating.
