Sigonella base restricted by treaty
Italy has denied US military aircraft use of the Sigonella airbase in Sicily to transport weapons for the ongoing Middle East conflict. A source at the Italian Defence Ministry confirmed that while the US requested to land bombers en route to Sicily, this did not comply with treaty obligations requiring parliamentary approval for transit of weapons.
The Sigonella base, a key US naval and NATO installation, is legally permitted for logistical and training purposes but not as a hub for transferring military weapons unless authorised under emergency provisions.
Protests and political pressure
Civil associations, unions, peace activists, and the No MUOS movement have gathered at the base to protest US and Israeli actions against Iran earlier this month.
Meanwhile, left-wing politicians in Sicily have urged Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s far-right government to clarify activity at Sigonella and block the US from using Italian bases for the conflict. Italy hosts seven US navy bases in total.
Treaty compliance and parliamentary oversight
The source confirmed that the US did not seek the proper authorisation from the Italian parliament, and therefore the aircraft were not allowed to land to transport weapons. The timing of the planned landings remains unclear, but Italy emphasised adherence to international treaties and domestic legal procedures.
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