Another NATO state refused to support US

American bombers were scheduled to land in Sicily and then proceed to the Middle East. The request for landing permission reportedly arrived when the US bombers were already airborne, without prior notice. The Sigonella base in Sicily has long been used by the US military, which maintains installations there.

The terms governing the use of the base are detailed in an agreement between the parties. Conducting such an operation requires the approval of the Italian government, which must first involve the parliament in the procedure. The office of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni responded to the situation: “With regard to press reports concerning the use of military bases, it is reiterated that Italy acts in full compliance with existing international agreements and the principles presented by the government to the chambers of parliament. The government’s position is clear, consistent, and fully shared with parliament, without any changes. Each request is carefully examined, individually, as has always been the case in the past.”

The US side interprets these actions as a sign of reluctance among European partners to cooperate. The most decisive steps were taken by Spain, which not only refused to allow the use of American bases on its territory for operations in the Middle East, but also, on Monday, March 30, closed its airspace to US aircraft participating in the war.