Italy Denies US Aircraft Permission to Use Sigonella Base for Middle East Operations

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto has refused permission for US military aircraft to land at the Sigonella air base in Sicily en route to operations in the Middle East, according to informed sources and Italian media reports confirmed on Tuesday.

The decision came a few days ago after Italian military authorities were notified of a US flight plan that included a stopover at Sigonella for several aircraft reportedly bombers or combat assets before continuing onward. No prior authorization had been formally requested, and the plan was reportedly communicated only after the planes were already airborne, sources told ANSA and Il Corriere della Sera.

Chief of Defense Staff Gen. Luciano Portolano informed Crosetto, who then directed that the aircraft could not land, as the operation fell outside existing bilateral agreements covering routine logistical or non-kinetic flights. Portolano subsequently notified US command of the denial.

Italy maintains a strong alliance with the United States and NATO, with multiple US facilities on its soil. However, the government has emphasized that any use beyond agreed logistical parameters requires explicit Italian approval, potentially involving parliament.

No immediate comment was available from US officials on the incident. The development comes as tensions persist in the Middle East, with Italy separately offering defensive aid, including air defense systems, to Gulf countries affected by the conflict.