Italy has refused a US request to use a key military base in Sicily for operations in the Middle East. According to a Reuters report published on Tuesday, the Italian government declined to allow US military aircraft to operate from the Sigonella airbase in eastern Sicily. The report noted that several US bombers had planned to land there before heading to the Middle East, though the exact timing of the plan was not specified.

Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera reported that the denial came because the United States had not formally sought permission or informed Italy’s military leadership. Under existing agreements, such authorization is mandatory for the use of US military installations in Italy. The right-wing government led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that any similar requests in the future would require parliamentary approval before being granted.

The decision underscores Italy’s insistence on procedural compliance and parliamentary oversight in foreign military cooperation involving its territory.