Italy Denies US Use of Sigonella Base Amid West Asia Tensions

• Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto denied the US use of Sigonella base after learning of a flight plan involving landing there before heading to West Asia.
• Italy stated no authorization was requested or Italian military leaders consulted regarding the use, with the plan communicated while planes were already in flight.
• Checks revealed the flights were not normal or logistical and thus not covered by the treaty with Italy.
• Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized, "We’re not at war; we don’t want to go to war," and stated that using Italian soil for strikes requires government permission, which was not requested.
• US President Donald Trump is reportedly considering ending US military operations against Iran within four to six weeks, even if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.