Italy denied the United States permission for bombers to land at the Naval Air Station Sigonella, according to informed sources. The decision followed the government’s stated policy on the use of US air bases during the Iran conflict.
Sources said Defence Minister Guido Crosetto refused the request a few days ago. The government has said the US may continue routine operations and logistics flights. Any use beyond that scope requires authorisation involving parliament.
Crosetto said he had simply ensured international agreements were respected. He rejected suggestions of tension with Washington or limits on US operations in Italy.
“Some are trying to put out the message that Italy has decided to suspend the use of bases for US assets,” he wrote on X. “That’s simply false, because the bases are active, in use, and nothing has changed.”
He added that international agreements distinguish between activities that are automatically authorised and those requiring specific approval. Italy has decided that cases needing approval will always involve parliament. Crosetto said there is “no third option” and reiterated that the rules governing the US presence in Italy date back to 1954.
The office of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also confirmed the government’s position. In a statement, Palazzo Chigi said Italy is acting in full compliance with existing treaties and previously agreed guidelines.
The statement read:
“With reference to the press reports regarding the use of military bases, it is reiterated that Italy acts in full compliance with the international agreements currently in force and with the guidelines the Government set out before Parliament.
The Government’s policy line is clear, consistent and has already been fully shared with Parliament, and remains unchanged.
All requests are carefully examined on a case-by-case basis, as has always been done in the past too. There are no critical issues or friction with international partners. Relations with the United States, in particular, are solid and based on full and loyal cooperation.
The Government will therefore continue to operate within the framework of existing treaties, in accordance with its will and that of Parliament, at the same time as ensuring international reliability and full protection of the national interest.”
