Italy has announced the deployment of a naval frigate to Cyprus following the island’s involvement in the ongoing Middle East conflict. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni made the announcement on Saturday, stating that the move aims to ensure the security of the European Union’s borders. She described the deployment as an act of European solidarity but emphasized that Italy is not and does not wish to become a party to the conflict.

According to media reports, the missile-equipped frigate Federico Martinengo, carrying more than 160 crew members, departed from Taranto in southern Italy on Friday afternoon. Meloni also said that Italy, along with Britain, France, and Germany, is engaged in regular diplomatic discussions to prevent further escalation in the Middle East. She added that Italy is playing an active role in reducing tensions and providing air defense assistance in coordination with international allies.

Earlier, Meloni mentioned plans to send air defense support to Gulf countries affected by Iranian attacks carried out in retaliation for U.S. and Israeli strikes.