Two Gulf states risk running out of anti-aircraft ammunition in the face of Iran's strikes. Call for help, for the only European system capable of stopping ballistic missiles

Italy has received requests from Gulf countries for anti-aircraft defense systems and anti-drone equipment amid the conflict between Iran, Israel and the United States, Italy's defense minister told lawmakers on Monday, according to Reuters.

The war against Iran has expanded to the Middle East region after Israel attacked Lebanon in response to strikes launched by the militant group Hezbollah. Tehran fired missiles and drones at Gulf states, and an Iranian-made drone struck a British airbase in Cyprus.

“Gulf countries express strong concern over the evolution of the crisis and have indicated the urgent need to strengthen their defense capabilities, especially air defense and anti-drone systems,” Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said.

The minister specified that the requests include the SAMP/T system, a Franco-Italian air defense battery also known as MAMBA, capable of tracking dozens of targets and intercepting up to 10 simultaneously.

The SAMP/T system is the only system produced in Europe that can intercept ballistic missiles.

Italy already provides SAMP/T systems to Ukraine to support its defense against Russia, so the availability of additional units to the Gulf states is limited.

“It is a very delicate matter, given that these capabilities are already in high demand and limited, in the context of European needs and the support given so far to Ukraine,” Crosetto told a parliamentary hearing.

Crosetto, who returned Sunday from Dubai, where he had been stranded with his family after the attack on Iran, spoke to lawmakers alongside Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. The latter stated that the renewed war represents a direct threat to Italy's security.

Two wealthy Gulf countries risk running out of ammunition in the face of Iran's attacks

Earlier on Monday, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter, that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar are seeking external support to defend against Iranian attacks and are pushing for an end to the war.

Thus, the UAE and Qatar are taking steps to find allies to convince US President Donald Trump to quickly end the war against Iran.

The main reason lies in the fact that the two rich states in the Gulf region are very worried about the possibility of exhausting their air defense systems.

The UAE and Qatar, both close US allies that have been hit by Iranian drones and missiles since the US-Israeli strikes that began on Saturday, are telling allies that the conflict risks spiraling out of control and could push up energy prices for a prolonged period.

The UAE is also seeking help with medium-range air defenses, as the necessary ammunition risks running out within a week.

And Qatar believes its stockpile of Patriot missiles could run out in four days and is seeking support to defend itself against Iranian drone strikes.