Reuters. Italy has denied permission for United States military aircraft to land at the Sigonella air base in Sicily for onward flights to the Middle, a source close to the matter said on Tuesday (March 31), confirming an earlier newspaper report.
Italian daily Corriere della Sera reported "some U.S. bombers" had been due to land at the base in eastern Sicily before heading to the Middle East, adding that permission was not granted as the U.S. had not sought authorisation.
According to the newspaper, Italy's military leadership was not consulted, as required under treaties governing the use of U.S. military installations in the country.
The Italian defence ministry had no immediate comment.
The issue has sparked debate in Italy since the outbreak of the U.S-Israel war against Iran, with centre-left opposition parties urging the government to block the use of bases in Italy to avoid involvement in the conflict.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's right-wing government has said it would seek parliamentary authorisation should any such requests be made.
