Italy refused a US request to land combat-bound aircraft at Sigonella base, citing lack of parliamentary approval and adherence to bilateral agreements.

ROME: Italy recently refused authorisation for some US aircraft headed to the Middle East on a combat mission to land at its Sigonella base.

A defence ministry source and Italian media confirmed the decision on Tuesday.

Under existing agreements, Italian bases can be used by US military aircraft only for logistical purposes.

Authorisation for any combat mission use requires government approval and parliamentary consultation.

“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.

The Corriere della Sera daily reported the incident involved US bombers a few days ago.

The defence source did not have information on the exact timing or number of aircraft involved.

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”.

“Italy acts in full compliance with international agreements,” it said, adding that every request is examined individually.

Opposition leader Elly Schlein said the incident showed “the US wants to use our territory as a platform for the war in the Middle East”.

Schlein argued Italy’s refusal must become a clear policy line against future improper US requests.

The reports follow Spain’s leftist government confirming it closed its airspace to US planes on missions against Iran.

Meloni, a key European ally of US President Donald Trump, has sought to mediate between US and European positions.

On the Middle East war, she has aligned with sceptical European allies, stating “Italy is not part of the conflict and does not intend to become part of it”.

As a major energy importer, Italy could be particularly affected by rising oil prices resulting from the conflict.

 The Sun Malaysia