31.03.2026 14:27
As the 32nd day of the Iran war passed, a decision came from Italy that would infuriate Trump. It was reported that Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto did not allow some of the planes sent by the U.S. to the Middle East to use the Sigonella Base on Sicily Island.
The Iran War, which began with the attacks of the USA and Israel, has entered its 32nd day. After Spain closed its airspace to US planes, Italy also closed its base to US aircraft.
According to a report by Corriere della Sera, one of Italy's leading newspapers, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto stated that after the flight plan emerged, which foresaw some US planes landing at Sigonella Base before heading to the Middle East, these planes were not allowed to use the base.
FLIGHT PLAN WAS COMMUNICATED TO ITALY WHILE AIRCRAFT WERE IN THE AIR
The report stated that Italian Chief of Staff General Luciano Portolano called Crosetto to share information from the Italian Air Force that several US aircraft's flight plan included landing at Sigonella and then moving to the Middle East.
It was noted that no one requested authorization for the landing of these aircraft at Sigonella or consulted the Italian General Staff, and the flight plan was communicated while the planes were already in the air.
OUTSIDE THE SCOPE OF THE AGREEMENT
The report confirmed that as a result of initial checks, these aircraft were not on a normal or logistical flight and therefore fell outside the scope of the bilateral agreement between Italy and the USA.
The newspaper also reported that Minister Crosetto requested a decision that would "inevitably affect" relations between Italy and the USA due to this situation. It was stated that the incident occurred a few days ago and had been kept secret until now. The Italian ANSA agency also indicated that sources confirmed Corriere della Sera's report.
MELONI HAD ALSO SAID "WE DO NOT WANT TO ENTER THE WAR"
After the attack initiated by the USA and Israel on Iran on February 28, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated in an interview with a radio channel on March 5 that the USA could continue to use its bases in Italy for normal operations that are not aimed at bombing, in accordance with the bilateral agreement, but any use beyond this scope should be approved by parliament, and they also did not want to enter the war.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also reiterated on March 16 that Italy is not at war and will not enter the war.
At Sigonella Base, located in the east of Italy's Sicily Island, elements of the Italian Air Force, the US Naval Air Station, and NATO Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Force (NISRF) Command are stationed.
SPAIN HAD ALSO CLOSED ITS AIRSPACE
On the other hand, the Spanish government had also decided to close its airspace to US planes participating in the attacks on Iran by the USA and Israel. Spain had previously prohibited US aircraft from using the Rota (Cadiz) and Moron de la Frontera (Seville) sea and air bases.