Italy has rejected statements made by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte regarding the use of US military bases in Italian territory during a joint US–Israel operation against Iran.
According to Rutte, around 500 American aircraft were launched from US bases in Italy to support the operation codenamed “Epic Fury.” He made the remarks during an interview with Fox News, describing the development as “very significant.”
However, authorities in Rome have firmly denied this account. The Italian government insists it only authorized technical and logistical flights, and not any combat missions from its territory.
Italy’s Defence Minister Guido Crosetto called Rutte’s comments inaccurate, stressing that Italy has refused any request going beyond non-combat support.
The dispute comes amid heightened international tensions, with the role of European military infrastructure under increasing scrutiny.
