Italy denies US aircraft permission to use Sicily air base for West Asia Ops

Italy has denied permission for US military aircraft to land at their airbase in Sicily for onward flights to West Asia. Reports suggest that some US bombers were due to land at the base in eastern Sicily before heading to the West Asia region. Italy's military leadership was not consulted over this, as is required under treaties governing the use of American military installations in the country. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government has said it will seek parliamentary authorisation if any request is made. This development comes after Spain, making Italy the second European country to restrict US use of its bases in operations related to the Iran conflict. The situation involves a technicality regarding authorisation requirements under existing treaties. Italy's current right-wing government, led by Meloni, will seek parliamentary authorisation should a formal request be made by America for the use of their bases by American aircraft.