31/03/2026
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31/03/2026
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ROME (AP), Mar 31: Italy has refused permission for U.S. military aircraft to use the Sigonella Air Base for an operation linked to the ongoing Middle East offensive, according to an official cited in reports.
The decision, issued earlier this week, reportedly involved U.S. aircraft, including bombers that were intended to land at the base in Sicily before continuing toward the Middle East. The request was denied after Italian authorities were not informed in time and due to the nature of the aircraft involved, the official said on condition of anonymity.
Under existing defence agreements, Italy must be formally consulted and approve before U.S. military operations can be conducted from its territory. The government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has also stated that any decisions involving military action require parliamentary oversight.
Italy’s defence ministry has not yet issued an official statement regarding the reported refusal.
The Italian government says its relationship with the U.S. is “solid and based on full and loyal cooperation,” following reports it denied the use of a Sicilian base to U.S. aircraft headed to the Middle East.
The government of Premier Giorgia Meloni said in a statement that Italy is acting “in full compliance with existing international agreements and the government’s guidelines expressed in parliament.”
It said each request for military use of Italian bases is examined on a case-by-case basis, its longstanding procedure.
“No critical issues or frictions with international partners have been registered,” it added.