Italy denies use of Sicily airbase to US planes carrying weapons for Iran war

Defence ministry says US failed to request authorisation in time for parliament to give approval as required by international treaty Italy has denied the use of an airbase in Sicily to US military planes carrying weapons for the war in Iran after the US did not follow the required authorisation procedure. A source at the Italian defence ministry confirmed a report in Corriere della Sera that “some US bombers” had been due to land at Sigonella – one of seven US navy bases in Italy – before heading to the Middle East, but that use of the base had been denied because the US sought authorisation to land only while the aircraft were already en route to Sicily. The source said this meant there was not enough time to seek approval in parliament, as is required for aircraft landing on naval bases with weapons. According to treaties established in the late 1950s, the US navy bases can be used for logistical and training purposes but not as transit hubs for aircraft used to transport weapons for war unless in an emergency situation. The office of Italy’s far-right prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, issued a statement on Tuesday denying that the move – which comes a day after Spain ramped up its