Italy disputes NATO chief's remarks on US use of its bases for Iran operations

Italy's Defense Minister Guido Crosetto stated that Rome only authorized technical and logistical flights from U.S. bases on its soil, pushing back against remarks by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. Rutte had claimed hundreds of U.S. aircraft had taken off from American bases in Italy to support military operations against Iran, which Rome has denied authorizing for direct action.

Crosetto expressed surprise at Rutte's comments, which he described as conveying a 'totally misleading message' by confusing authorized support flights with combat-related operations. He emphasized that Italy acted in full compliance with its constitution and international treaties, having refused requests that fell outside the authorized limits.

President Donald Trump also criticized several European allies, including Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, for what he described as a lack of support during the US-Israeli war on Iran. Trump stated that while the U.S. did not require assistance, stronger backing from European governments would have been welcomed.

Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei condemned NATO's admission of 'active complicity' in the 'unlawful war,' calling it a violation of international law and the UN Charter. The remarks have caused a political stir in Italy, with opposition leaders demanding fresh explanations from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government. Rutte's office later clarified that he had 'highlighted how Allies including Italy carried out their existing bilateral agreements in the context of basing and overflights.'