\n Authorities in Italy prohibited a US aircraft bound for the Middle East from landing at a military base in Sicily, according to Italian media.\n <\/p>\n
\n Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto denied a US request for aircraft to use the Sigonella base that was received when they planes were already in the air, state broadcaster RAI reported today.\n <\/p>\n
\n \u201cNo one had requested authorization or consulted the Italian military leadership,\u201d RAI said. \u201cThe plan had been communicated while the aircraft were already in flight, and checks revealed that these were not normal or logistical flights and therefore not covered by the treaty with Italy,\u201d the broadcaster added.\n <\/p>\n
\n An Italian defense ministry spokesperson confirmed the reports to CNN, but declined to comment further.\n <\/p>\n
\n Later, the office of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Italy was \u201cacting in full compliance with existing international agreements.\u201d\n <\/p>\n
\n US forces have permission to use military bases in Italy for standard logistics flights, according to Italy\u2019s ANSA news agency<\/a>.\n <\/p>\n \n When the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran last month, Italy said that any US use of its bases in Italy outside standard operations would require parliamentary authorization.\n <\/p>\n