Rome [Italy], March 31 (ANI): Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto on Monday (local time) denied the United States the use of the Sigonella base after Italy became aware of the flight plan of certain US air assets, which involved landing at Sigonella before heading to West Asia, according to Italian newspaper La Repubblica.
However, according to the report, no authorization had been requested and Italian military leaders had not been consulted regarding the use of the base. The newspaper said the plan was communicated while the aircraft were already in flight.
According to La Repubblica, checks revealed that these were not routine or logistical flights and were therefore not covered by existing treaty arrangements with Italy.
Earlier in March, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said in an interview with RTL radio, “We’re not at war; we don’t want to go to war,” as quoted by Politico. According to Politico, Crosetto acknowledged the “powerlessness” of America’s European allies during a parliamentary debate. He admitted the attack on Iran had “certainly occurred outside the rules of international law” but added that no government, European or otherwise, could have prevented the strikes.
The potential use of US military bases in Italy risks becoming politically sensitive in a country where the public has historically been wary of being drawn into US-led conflicts, Politico reported.
The Italian government has maintained that the use of bases such as Naval Air Station Sigonella in Sicily is limited to logistical and technical support under long-standing bilateral agreements. Using Italian territory to support military strikes would require government approval, which has not been requested, Meloni said in her remarks to RTL radio, according to Politico.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump is considering ending the US military campaign in Iran, even if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, The Wall Street Journal reported.
He has indicated to aides that he is prepared to wind down military operations against Iran within a four- to six-week timeline, even if the strait remains effectively closed. This move would likely extend Tehran’s control over the vital waterway, shifting the focus toward diplomatic efforts to reopen it. Trump has expressed willingness to reduce hostilities after achieving key objectives, including weakening Iran’s navy and missile capabilities.
According to administration officials, the President believes the United States can declare victory by meeting its “core” military objectives without becoming entangled in a prolonged maritime clearance mission, The Wall Street Journal reported. (ANI)
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