Italy has reportedly refused permission for US military aircraft to land at the Sigonella air base in Sicily en route to the Middle East, according to reports.
The Italian daily Corriere della Sera, citing
sources, said the decision concerns “some US bombers” intended for deployment in the region and marks a rare rebuff by a NATO ally.
Naval Air Station Sigonella is a strategic hub frequently used for NATO and US missions, but Italian authorities said proper authorisation procedures were not followed. Under agreements governing American military installations in Italy, Rome must be formally consulted before operations proceed.
Reports indicate the US failed to seek prior approval or consult Italy’s military leadership, prompting the refusal. The Italian defence ministry has not issued an official public statement.
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The denial comes a day after Spain also refused to allow US aircraft to use its airspace or bases for operations against Iran.
On Monday, Spanish Defence Minister had said that “the bases are not authorised, and of course neither is the use of Spanish airspace for actions related to the war in Iran.”
According to El Pais, Spain’s decision has complicated US military logistics, forcing bombers to adjust their routes and transit plans. Emergency landings remain the only exception.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has emerged as a prominent Western leader consistently opposing the war, launched by US-Israeli strikes on February 28 that have since escalated across the Middle East.
Sanchez’s stance has angered the White House, with US President Donald Trump threatening trade repercussions and criticising Spain’s refusal to raise NATO defence spending to five percent of GDP, as requested by Washington.
(With inputs from agencies)
