Italy Demands Explanation After NATO Chief Claims 500 U.S. Aircraft Flew From Italy Against Iran

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg's assertion that 500 U.S. aircraft took off from Italian bases to support operations in Iran has ignited a political firestorm in Italy. Stoltenberg told Fox News that these flights represented a "huge number," adding that Europe as a whole saw between 4,000 and 5,000 air missions.

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five hundred American aircraft took off from the American bases located in Italy in support of operations in Iran.

The Italian Ministry of Defense quickly issued a statement to counter Stoltenberg's claims. The ministry clarified that Italy had granted authorization only for "logistical and technical missions." It emphasized that Italy and its defense ministry have "always acted with respect for the Constitution, international conventions, and agreements regulating the presence and use of bases on our territory."

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This is a huge number.

However, the remarks prompted immediate backlash from the Italian opposition. Giuseppe Provenzano, the Democratic Party's foreign affairs chief, stated that the government and Prime Minister Meloni "have the obligation to provide immediate explanations regarding these serious statements." Giuseppe Conte, leader of the Five Star Movement, echoed this sentiment, suggesting Meloni's government was merely "restoring order" and that "Trump is only a 'restoration of order' for the Italian government, which in the past always answered affirmatively." He demanded clarity, asking if Meloni had lied to parliament or if Stoltenberg "had a sunstroke."

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Regarding Europe as a whole, we are talking about a number ranging from 4,000 to 5,000 air missions.

Nicola Fratoianni, secretary of the Italian Left, also called for clarification. A NATO official later commented that Stoltenberg "stressed that the allies, including Italy, implemented bilateral agreements concerning military bases and the right of overflight." The differing accounts highlight a significant diplomatic and political tension surrounding the use of Italian military bases for international operations.

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Italy and our ministry have always acted with respect for the Constitution, international conventions, and agreements regulating the presence and use of bases on our territory.