"The guiding principle of our commitment remains de-escalation . We absolutely want to avoid an escalation of the conflict. We are encouraging all parties to exercise maximum restraint, keeping channels of dialogue with Iran open, without betraying our position: Iran cannot acquire nuclear weapons and missile systems capable of posing an existential threat to Israel, the region, and Europe ." This was stated by Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani in the Chamber of Deputies, taking stock of the war between the US and Iran .

In the Middle East, Tajani added, " 100,000 Italians are directly or indirectly involved in crisis areas , and the safety of our fellow citizens is the absolute priority. The Gulf task force has handled 14,000 calls and several thousand emails. The number of Italians assisted in leaving the risk areas has reached 10,000." "Some of our strategic partners in the Gulf have formally requested Italy's support in strengthening their air defense capabilities. This is why the government felt it was necessary to accede to these requests."

Defense Minister Guido Crosetto also reported to the Chamber: "We must reassess our assets in the region and respond to the requests of friendly countries in difficulty. We intend to deploy a multi-domain force in the Middle East, with anti-drone and anti-missile air defense systems. Together with the Spanish and French, we will provide assistance to Cyprus," the minister continued.

Regarding the military deployed in the Middle East, Crosetto explained: "We had 2,576 personnel in the affected area before the conflict began, and as a result of this situation, we have taken other measures in recent days : in Kuwait, 239 soldiers are moving towards Saudi Arabia: of the 321, 82 will remain. In Qatar, seven of the ten soldiers are reaching Saudi Arabia. In Bahrain, where we have five soldiers, we are withdrawing personnel."

In Lebanon – where the soldiers of the Sassari Brigade are also present with the UNIFIL mission – «we are carefully evaluating the situation and we are ready to face any need, even with naval personnel

for possible evacuations."

"Given what happened in Turkey and what happened in Cyprus," Crosetto added, "I have instructed the Chief of the Defence Staff to raise the level of national air and anti-ballistic defense to the maximum, in coordination with the allies and NATO. Faced with a reckless reaction, we can expect anything, and anything can be expected."

(Unioneonline/lf)

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