After Spain, Italy's Meloni blocks US use of its air base for Iran operations
The move by Italy and Spain, both NATO members, shows that the European Union (EU) nations are not inclined to become militarily involved in the Iran conflict.
Italy has refused permission for US aircraft to use a key air base in Sicily for operations in Iran, becoming the latest NATO ally after Spain to deny America access to military facilities, Reuters reported. So far, the European Union (EU) nations have shown no desire to become militarily involved in the Iran conflict, leading to tensions within the Donald Trump administration.
The Trump administration had requested permission to land "some US bombers" at the Sigonella air station before heading to the Middle East, Italian daily Corriere Della Sera reported. The Sigonella air station serves as an air base for Italy, while the US uses it as a naval installation.
WHY HAS ITALY REFUSED NOD TO US JETS?
While no formal reason was given for the denial, authorities said the US did not consult the Giorgia Meloni government in advance. The report said the US sought permission to land the aircraft while they were already en route to Sicily.
Authorities said the US did not follow procedures governing the use of military installations in Italy.
As per the treaty signed in 1950, the US Navy can use the base only for logistical and training purposes. It specifically mentions that the base cannot be used as a transit hub to transport weapons for a war or conflict. It can only be permitted during an emergency with approval from the Parliament.
While Italy remains a key NATO ally of the US, the move highlights its caution about direct or indirect involvement in the escalating Middle East tensions.
SPAIN'S SIMILAR MOVE
Italy's move comes a day after Spain barred US military aircraft involved in the Iran war from using its airspace and military bases. Spanish daily, El Pais, quoted the defence minister as saying that the US could not use jointly operated military bases in the country for operations in Iran.
This effectively means that US jets, including those based in the UK and elsewhere in Europe, will have to bypass Spain and take a longer route to reach targets in the Middle East.
WHAT THE US HAS SAID
The development has irked the US, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling the alleged lack of support from NATO "very disappointing". He has also indicated that the US might reassess its relationship with NATO allies after the end of the Iran war.
"If NATO is just about us defending Europe if they are attacked, but them denying us basing rights when we need them, that's not a very good arrangement. That's a hard one to stay engaged in," Rubio said in an interview with Al Jazeera.
Previously, Trump called NATO partners "cowards" and said the alliance was a "paper tiger". The outburst came after NATO members largely rebuffed Trump's requests to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which has been effectively blocked by Iran since the war began.
Itan's chokehold of the critical waterway, through which 20% of the world's oil and gas passes, has sent energy prices soaring.
Italy has refused permission for US aircraft to use a key air base in Sicily for operations in Iran, becoming the latest NATO ally after Spain to deny America access to military facilities, Reuters reported. So far, the European Union (EU) nations have shown no desire to become militarily involved in the Iran conflict, leading to tensions within the Donald Trump administration.
The Trump administration had requested permission to land "some US bombers" at the Sigonella air station before heading to the Middle East, Italian daily Corriere Della Sera reported. The Sigonella air station serves as an air base for Italy, while the US uses it as a naval installation.
WHY HAS ITALY REFUSED NOD TO US JETS?
While no formal reason was given for the denial, authorities said the US did not consult the Giorgia Meloni government in advance. The report said the US sought permission to land the aircraft while they were already en route to Sicily.
Authorities said the US did not follow procedures governing the use of military installations in Italy.
As per the treaty signed in 1950, the US Navy can use the base only for logistical and training purposes. It specifically mentions that the base cannot be used as a transit hub to transport weapons for a war or conflict. It can only be permitted during an emergency with approval from the Parliament.
While Italy remains a key NATO ally of the US, the move highlights its caution about direct or indirect involvement in the escalating Middle East tensions.
SPAIN'S SIMILAR MOVE
Italy's move comes a day after Spain barred US military aircraft involved in the Iran war from using its airspace and military bases. Spanish daily, El Pais, quoted the defence minister as saying that the US could not use jointly operated military bases in the country for operations in Iran.
This effectively means that US jets, including those based in the UK and elsewhere in Europe, will have to bypass Spain and take a longer route to reach targets in the Middle East.
WHAT THE US HAS SAID
The development has irked the US, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling the alleged lack of support from NATO "very disappointing". He has also indicated that the US might reassess its relationship with NATO allies after the end of the Iran war.
"If NATO is just about us defending Europe if they are attacked, but them denying us basing rights when we need them, that's not a very good arrangement. That's a hard one to stay engaged in," Rubio said in an interview with Al Jazeera.
Previously, Trump called NATO partners "cowards" and said the alliance was a "paper tiger". The outburst came after NATO members largely rebuffed Trump's requests to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which has been effectively blocked by Iran since the war began.
Itan's chokehold of the critical waterway, through which 20% of the world's oil and gas passes, has sent energy prices soaring.
