ROME — Italy has denied permission for U.S. military aircraft to land at the Sigonella air base in Sicily before flying to the Middle East, a source close to the matter said on Tuesday, confirming a newspaper report.
The denial was reported by the Italian daily Corriere della Sera, which said some U.S. bombers had been due to land at the base in eastern Sicily. The U.S. flight plan was submitted while the aircraft were already en route and without prior authorization or consultation with Italian military leadership, as required under treaties governing the use of U.S. military installations in the country, the newspaper added.
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto refused the authorization, according to reports by Corriere della Sera and the ANSA news agency. The Italian defense ministry had no immediate comment when contacted by Reuters.
A source close to the matter, who was not authorized to speak publicly and declined to be identified, confirmed the refusal but did not specify how many aircraft were involved or the exact timing of the decision. Details of the planned mission remain unclear.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East involving the United States, Israel and Iran. Italy has stated it does not participate in or intend to enter the conflict. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government has said it would seek parliamentary authorization for any such requests involving Italian territory or bases.
Centre-left opposition parties have urged the government to block U.S. use of bases in Italy to avoid any involvement in the conflict.
Sigonella, a joint Italian-U.S. naval air station, serves as a strategic hub frequently used for NATO and U.S. missions in the Mediterranean region. Bilateral agreements dating back decades govern the use of such installations, typically requiring formal coordination for operations beyond standard logistical activities.
The Italian government has previously emphasized adherence to existing bilateral agreements while stressing the need for proper procedures and parliamentary oversight where appropriate.
As of Tuesday evening, there was no immediate response from U.S. officials to the reported denial. The status of the U.S. aircraft involved was not immediately known.
