Italy denied U.S. military aircraft permission to land at the Sigonella air base in Sicily on March 27, preventing the planes from stopping en route to the Middle East. Sources indicated the aircraft were U.S. bombers involved in operations linked to the ongoing U.S. war against Iran.

The decision stemmed from the U.S. failing to seek prior authorization, as required under bilateral treaties governing the base's use. Italian authorities received the flight plans only after the aircraft were already airborne, and the missions were classified as combat-related rather than routine logistical flights. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto instructed the U.S. command that landing clearance could not be granted without proper consultation.

Sigonella, located in eastern Sicily, hosts U.S. military installations under a 1954 treaty that allows logistical and technical operations without high-level approval but mandates case-by-case review for combat activities. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's office emphasized that all requests are examined individually, stating, "There have been no critical issues or friction with international partners. Relations with the United States, in particular, are solid and based on full and loyal cooperation."

Crosetto rejected claims that Italy had broadly blocked U.S. access, posting on X: "International agreements clearly regulate and distinguish what requires specific government authorization and parliamentary approval." He added that portraying the incident as a suspension of base use was "simply false." Meloni has vowed to seek parliamentary approval for any U.S. requests involving Italian bases in the Iran conflict, which she described as outside international law.

The episode highlights tensions within NATO over U.S. operations in Iran, where America is fighting alongside Israel. Spain recently closed its airspace to U.S. planes linked to the war and denied base access, prompting President Donald Trump to threaten trade cuts and label the country "terrible." Trump also criticized other European allies for insufficient support. A Pentagon official described Italy as supportive of access and overflights, citing operational security for limited details.

In Italy, the decision drew praise from centre-left opposition figures. Democratic Party leader Elly Schlein and Sicilian PD head Anthony Barbagallo welcomed it as confirmation of concerns over escalation. The government maintained its line was consistent with parliamentary guidance, reflecting broad domestic consensus amid public unease with deeper involvement in the Middle East war.