Italy blocks US use of Sicily air base for Middle East war (politico.eu)

Italy has denied U.S. military aircraft permission to land at the Sigonella air base in Sicily on the way to operations in the Middle East, citing that the planned use wasn’t authorized under the existing logistics provisions and required parliamentary approval. Italy’s defense minister said Rome did not block broader access to the bases, arguing that permissions depend on the specific type of mission and are handled within the framework of a 1954 treaty. The prime minister’s office said requests are reviewed case by case and that relations with Washington remain cooperative.