Italy has denied the use of an airbase in Sicily to US military planes carrying weapons for the war in Iran after the US failed to follow the required authorisation procedure, the defence ministry confirmed.
A source at the Italian defence ministry said some US bombers had been due to land at Sigonella, one of seven US navy bases in Italy, before heading to the Middle East. However, use of the base was denied because the US sought authorisation to land only while the aircraft were already en route, leaving insufficient time for parliamentary approval as required by international treaties.
According to treaties established in the late 1950s, US navy bases in Italy can be used for logistical and training purposes but not as transit hubs for aircraft transporting weapons for war unless in an emergency. The denial comes a day after Spain closed its airspace to US aircraft involved in attacks on Iran.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's office denied that the move had caused critical issues or frictions with international partners, stating that relations with the US remain solid. Italy is acting in full compliance with international agreements and parliamentary procedures, with each request examined on a case-by-case basis.
Opposition parties have urged the government to block US use of Italian bases for involvement in the Middle East conflict. Giuseppe Conte, leader of the Five Star Movement, said Italy had a duty to deny access and should now take a further step to deny logistical support at all bases, as the US-Israeli conflict in Iran violates international law.
Anger in Sicily has been growing due to increased activity at Sigonella since the conflict began, particularly after a US military helicopter landed in a Unesco-listed natural park during a training exercise. Local politicians have called for Sicily to remain a land of peace and not contribute to any war.
