NATO chief's statement sparks debate in Italy

2026-06-24 16:42:39Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

NATO chief's statement sparks debate in Italy

Italy has publicly opposed statements by NATO chief Mark Rutte regarding the use of US bases on Italian territory for military operations against Iran.

During an interview with Fox News, Rutte stated that around 500 American aircraft had taken off from military bases in Italy to support the US operation called "Epic Fury", citing Italy as an example of European support for Washington.

The statement caused immediate reactions in Rome, where the government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has repeatedly reiterated that it has not authorized the use of Italian territory for direct military action against Iran.

In an official statement, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto stressed that Italy acted in accordance with the Constitution, international treaties and agreements governing the operation of allied bases on its territory.

"As has been clarified in Parliament, the government has exclusively authorized technical and logistical activities, not combat activities," Crosetto declared.

He added that Italian authorities have rejected any request that exceeded these limits, underlining that Italy has not given approval for the use of its bases in offensive operations against Iran.


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