A statement by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has sparked a political storm in Italy after he claimed that around 500 US military aircraft took off from US bases on Italian territory during military operations against Iran.
Speaking to Fox News before meeting with US President Donald Trump, Rutte stated that Italy was among the allies that made their bases available for the military operation, adding that a total of between 4,000 and 5,000 aircraft have been deployed from European bases to support the "Epic Fury" mission.
"500 aircraft took off from American bases in Italy," the NATO chief said, describing Europe as a key platform for the projection of American military power.
His statement contradicts the previous position of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government, which had stated that US bases in Italy would only be used for logistical and technical operations, in accordance with bilateral agreements between the two countries.
Following strong reactions, the Italian Ministry of Defense rejected Rutte's claims. Minister Guido Crosetto stated that only flights foreseen by existing treaties were authorized and described the NATO leader's message as "completely wrong."
However, the opposition is demanding immediate clarification. Green MP Angelo Bonelli accused the Meloni government of concealing information and misleading public opinion.
"Meloni deceived the Italian people and the parliament. She must report immediately and explain what really happened," Bonelli declared.
The debate has brought Italy's role in US military operations in the Middle East back into the spotlight, as the government faces growing pressure to clarify its involvement in attacks against Iran.
