ISTANBUL

Italy’s Defense Minister Guido Crosetto rejected claims that Rome has suspended the use of its military bases to US forces, calling the reports “simply false.”

The refusal came after a US flight plan showed a stopover at Sigonella en route to the Middle East.

Crosetto said in a statement that “the bases are active, in use and nothing has changed,” dismissing suggestions of a shift in policy.

He added that the Italian government was acting in line with long-standing commitments, noting that it “continues to do what all Italian governments have always done.”

Italy hosts several bases used by US forces under bilateral and NATO arrangements, governed by agreements dating back decades.

Crosetto stressed that the agreements clearly distinguish between activities that require explicit government authorization and those covered under existing arrangements.

He said that where specific approval is needed, parliament is always involved, and “without it, nothing can be granted.”

“A minister must simply ensure that these rules are respected. There is no third option,” he said.

Addressing speculation of strained relations with Washington, Crosetto said there was “no cooling or tension” between Italy and the US.

He added that both sides were fully aware of the framework regulating the US military presence, which has been in place since 1954, saying the rules are “known to them as well as they are to us.”