Iran: Crosetto denies US bombers access to Sigonella base

Rome, 31 March (LaPresse) – In recent days, Italy has denied the United States access to the Sigonella base. The incident was reported by *Corriere* and confirmed to *LaPresse* by informed sources, who specified that the aircraft in question were bombers and therefore not covered by the agreements between the two countries. The Chief of Defence Staff, Luciano Portolano, was informed by the Air Force General Staff that the US aircraft’s flight plan involved landing at Sigonella before departing for the Middle East. However, no one had sought authorisation or consulted the Italian military leadership. Portolano therefore called Defence Minister Guido Crosetto to inform him. This led to the decision to deny the US access to the base.