Italy last week denied permission for U.S. military aircraft to land at the Sigonella air base in Sicily before heading to the Middle East, sources said on Tuesday, because Washington had not sought prior authorisation from the government in Rome.
According to the Corriere della Sera daily, which first reported the news, “some U.S. bombers” had been due to land at the base in eastern Sicily before flying on to the Middle East, where the United States is at war with Israel against Iran.
The report did not specify when the aircraft were due to land but said permission was denied because the U.S. had not requested clearance and Italy’s military leadership had not been consulted, as required under treaties governing the use of U.S. military installations in the country.
The source, who was not authorised to speak to the media and declined to be identified, also confirmed the report to Reuters but did not specify how many aircraft were involved.
The decision came against a backdrop of tensions between Washington and some of its European allies over the war in Iran.
On Monday, Spain said it had closed its airspace to U.S. planes involved in attacks on Iran, a step beyond its previous refusal to allow the use of jointly operated military bases. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has been among the most vocal critics of the U.S. and Israeli strikes in Iran.