EditEuropean allies push back against U.S. logistics in escalating U.S.-Israel war with Iran
The developments expose growing fractures in the NATO alliance over direct involvement - or even logistical support - in the Middle East conflict
Italy has refused U.S. military aircraft permission to use the Sigonella air base in Sicily for operations related to the ongoing war against Iran, highlighting deepening divisions within NATO over the conflict.
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.
A source, who was not authorised to speak to the media and declined to be identified, confirmed the report to Reuters but did not specify how many aircraft were involved. A second source told Reuters that Italy refused permission on 27 March.
“With reference to media reports regarding the use of military bases, the government reiterates that Italy acts in full compliance with existing international agreements and with the policy guidelines set out by the government to parliament,” an Italian government statement said.
It added that all requests to use the facilities “are examined carefully, on a case-by-case basis” and said there were “no critical issues or frictions with international partners.”
“Relations with the United States, in particular, are solid and based on full and loyal cooperation.”
The U.S. embassy in Rome had no immediate comment.
The decision marks the latest setback for U.S. logistics in Europe. It follows Spain’s closure of its airspace on 30 March to U.S. planes involved in attacks on Iran—a step beyond Madrid’s earlier refusal to allow use of jointly operated bases. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has been among the most vocal European critics of the U.S. and Israeli strikes.
By contrast, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni maintains close ties with U.S. President Donald Trump and has refrained from a hard line against the war so far, though she has vowed to seek parliamentary approval for any formal U.S. request to use Italian bases.
Spain and Italy are both NATO members. The prospect of the U.S. using installations in Italy for operations against Iran has sparked domestic outrage, with centre-left opposition parties urging the government to block any such access.
“Minister Crosetto’s decision to deny landing permission is a significant and appropriate step that confirms the validity of the concerns we raised,” said Anthony Barbagallo, the Sicilian head of the centre-left Democratic Party (PD).
These European refusals compound earlier tensions, including France’s decision to block U.S. military supply flights to Israel over its airspace. In response, President Trump accused France of obstruction and vowed that the U.S. would “REMEMBER” the slight amid the elimination of a key Iranian figure.
The pushback comes as the month-long U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran has severely disrupted global energy markets. Tehran has effectively closed oil tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, driving up prices and causing fuel shortages in some countries.
On Tuesday, Iran attacked and set ablaze a fully loaded Kuwait-flagged oil tanker, the Al-Salmi, off Dubai. Authorities in Dubai said the fire – caused by a drone strike – had been brought under control, with no oil leak and no injuries to the crew. The vessel’s hull was damaged, according to its owner, Kuwait Petroleum Corp.
In a social media post on Tuesday, President Trump urged countries facing shortages to take matters into their own hands. Singling out allies like Britain and France for their lack of support in the “decapitation of Iran,” he wrote:
“All of those countries that can’t get jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz, like the United Kingdom, which refused to get involved in the decapitation of Iran, I have a suggestion for you: Number 1, buy from the U.S., we have plenty, and Number 2, build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT. You’ll have to start learning how to fight for yourself, the U.S.A. won’t be there to help you anymore, just like you weren’t there for us. Iran has been, essentially, decimated. The hard part is done. Go get your own oil!”
Trump had earlier threatened to obliterate Iran’s energy infrastructure if it did not agree to a peace deal and reopen the strait.
These developments expose growing fractures in the NATO alliance over direct involvement – or even logistical support – in the Middle East conflict. While some European leaders maintain solidarity with Washington in principle, domestic political pressures and concerns over escalation have led to concrete limits on cooperation.
With Reuters, edited by g.g.
Caption: File photo: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (R) speaks with Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto (L) next to Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani (C) during a session in the Senate chamber in Rome, Italy, 11 March 2026. Meloni reported to parliament ahead of the upcoming European Council meeting and regarding the crisis caused by the conflict in the Middle East between the United States, Israel, and Iran. EPA/ANGELO CARCONI
Updated: March 31, 2026 - 15:21
