Italy Denies US Aircraft Use of Sigonella Base for Middle East Combat Mission
Italy recently refused authorization for some United States military aircraft headed to the Middle East on a combat mission to land at its Sigonella base, according to a defence ministry source and Italian media reports. This decision underscores Italy's commitment to adhering strictly to international agreements and parliamentary oversight in military matters.
Logistical Use Only Under Agreements
Under the terms of existing agreements with the United States, certain Italian bases, including Sigonella, can be utilized by US military aircraft, but exclusively for logistical purposes. Any authorization for combat missions must be granted by the Italian government, which in turn requires approval from parliament. "They asked for permission to land... They were already in flight and there was not enough time to consult parliament so it was refused," a defence ministry source told AFP, highlighting the procedural constraints that led to the denial.
Incident Details and Political Reactions
The incident, reported to have occurred a few days ago, involved US bombers, though specifics on the timing and number of aircraft remain unclear. Following the report, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's office issued a statement affirming that ties with the US are "solid and based on full and honest co-operation." The statement emphasized that "Italy acts in full compliance with international agreements" and that "every request is examined on a case-by-case basis."
However, opposition leader Elly Schlein, head of the centre-left Democratic Party, criticized the situation, stating that it demonstrates "the US wants to use our territory as a platform for the war in the Middle East." Schlein argued that Italy's refusal should not be an isolated decision but must evolve into a clearly defined policy line to address future improper requests from US command.
Broader Context and Implications
This development follows Spain's leftist government confirming it had closed its airspace to US planes conducting missions against Iran, indicating a broader European trend of caution regarding involvement in Middle East conflicts. Prime Minister Meloni, a key ally of US President Donald Trump in Europe, has positioned Italy as a mediator between US and European stances on various issues. In the context of the Middle East war, she has reiterated that "Italy is not part of the conflict and does not intend to become part of it," aligning more with sceptical European allies.
As a major energy importer, Italy could be significantly impacted by the sharp rise in oil prices resulting from the war, adding economic urgency to its neutral stance. The Sigonella base, located in eastern Sicily south of Catania, remains a strategic point in US-Italy military relations, but this incident highlights the limits of its use under current agreements.
