Rome denies US military access to Sigonella base amid rising Middle East tensions
ROME, ITALY; Italy has refused permission for U.S. military aircraft to use the Sigonella air base in Sicily for operations linked to the Middle East conflict, according to a source familiar with the matter.
Reports indicate that U.S. bombers were expected to land at the base before continuing toward the Middle East. However, the request was not approved, with sources suggesting the U.S. may not have followed required authorization procedures under agreements governing the use of American military installations in Italy.
The decision comes amid growing political pressure within Italy. Opposition parties have urged the government to block U.S. access to Italian bases to avoid becoming directly involved in the escalating conflict.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government has stated that any future requests for military use of Italian bases would require parliamentary approval, signaling a cautious approach to involvement in the crisis.
Italy’s move highlights increasing tensions among Western allies over the handling of the Middle East war, as countries balance military cooperation with domestic political concerns and international law.
Source: Reuters