Defense Minister says refusal to allow U.S. to use military bases complies with international agreements

On April 7, Xinhua News Agency reported from Rome (Reporter Zhang Xinwen) that Italian Defense Minister Crosetto stated that Italy's previous refusal to allow the United States to use its military bases is in line with existing agreements with the U.S. and NATO, and Italy will not participate in the military actions of the U.S. and Israel against Iran.

Crosetto made this statement during a speech in the Italian Chamber of Deputies regarding the Middle East conflict. Previously, Italian media reported that Crosetto had rejected the U.S. military's request to use the Sigonella military base located in Sicily in late March, citing that the relevant flight plans had not been communicated in advance or authorized.

Crosetto stated that the two aircraft involved were carrying weapons intended for bombing Iran, and according to relevant regulations, such situations do not fall under routine and logistical matters and must be approved by the Italian Parliament. He emphasized, "What we follow are laws, international agreements, and the constitution."

Earlier that day, Crosetto, in an interview with the Italian newspaper Il Messaggero, stated that the conflict between the U.S. and Israel and Iran should be prevented from escalating further, warning that "the current tension is unprecedented in decades" and there is a risk of nuclear weapons being used. He also said that President Trump should have more "advisors who dare to speak frankly" around him.