The Italian government has refused to allow the United States to use the Sigonella Air Base in Sicily as a stopover for military aircraft involved in operations linked to the war in Iran, in a move that highlights growing European reluctance to be drawn directly into the conflict.
According to reports, the Italian Defence Minister, Guido Crosetto, blocked the plan after learning that several U.S. bombers were scheduled to land at the base in southern Sicily before continuing to the Middle East. The decision was based on the fact that Washington had not requested formal authorization in advance, as required under military agreements signed between the two countries in the 1950s, and that the Italian military command had not been consulted.
The Chief of the Italian Defence Staff, Luciano Portolano, was informed by the Italian Air Force that the flight plans of the U.S. aircraft indicated a wartime function rather than routine logistics or training. Because the use of Italian bases for combat‑related missions involves specific legal and parliamentary procedures, the lack of prior consultation disqualified the request.
Crosetto’s refusal is also consistent with his recent commitment to the Italian Parliament that any military operation that does not fall under existing treaties would require explicit approval. The decision to keep the matter secret until its disclosure by the newspaper Corriere della Sera further underlines the sensitivity of the issue, as Italy tries to balance its alliance with the United States and its obligations under international law.
The episode comes amid broader European unease over the U.S.‑Israel‑led offensive against Iran. By denying the use of one of its key military installations in the Mediterranean, Italy is signaling that it is not prepared to automatically turn its territory into a logistical platform for this war, even as the Italian government assures that bilateral relations with Washington remain strong and cooperative.
