Italian FM dials Iranian FM, says Italian airbases were never used for actions against Iran
Rome, June 26
Italy's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani held a telephonic conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and clarified that Italy has never taken part in any military initiative and has never authorized the use of bases for war actions against Iran.
Tajani requested a return to full opening of the Strait of Hormuz.
In a post on X, he said, "I spoke with the Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. Italy has never taken part in any military initiative and has never authorized the use of bases for war actions against Iran, in the strictest respect of the treaties with the United States. I requested a return to full opening of the Strait of Hormuz, facilitating the passage of all Italian cargo ships still blocked. The reopening of the Italian embassy in Tehran is a strong signal of dialogue, also in view of the resumption of economic and cultural relations."
Guido Crosetto, Italian Minister of Defence also noted that the number of flights in transit at Sigonella and Aviano during the Epic Fury period was far lower than the number of flights in transit in the years 2019-2025.
"For informational purposes, the number of flights in transit at Sigonella and Aviano during the Epic Fury period was far lower than the number of flights in transit in the years: 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019. These are the years on which I limited the verification, but I could go further back. They are official Defense data for which we can provide the precise figures."
Kazem Gharibabadi, Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs of Iran, noted that the provision of territory by a state for use by a third state to carry out aggression against another country is considered an act of aggression.
In a post on X, he said, "The statements of the NATO Secretary General regarding the use by the United States of Italian and Romanian bases in an attack on Iran give rise to the international responsibility of these countries. According to General Assembly Resolution 3314, the provision of territory by a state for use by a third state to carry out aggression against another country is considered an act of aggression."
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran Esmaeil Baqaei, said that Italy and Romania are explicitly named by NATO's Secretary General to have participated in the aggression against Iran.
The hocus pocus ensued after NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said Rome allowed 500 U.S. military aircraft to take off from American bases in Italy during U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, sparking a political backlash in Italy, Politico reported.
Speaking to Fox News late Tuesday ahead of a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, Rutte also said: "Country after country, ally after ally ... have made their bases available ... That means thousands, between 4,000 and 5,000 ... planes taking off from European bases to support Epic Fury."
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government had previously said that only logistical and technical flights covered by the bilateral treaty governing US military bases in Italy would be allowed to use its airbases to fly to the Middle East, as per Politico.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The numbers game from Crosetto is interesting. "Far lower than 2019-2025" means nothing without actual figures. If 500 planes took off from two bases, that's still a lot. Italy is trying to save face after Rutte's comments. Classic blame-shifting in international politics.
As an Indian watching this, I find it ironic that NATO and Europe are now scrambling over bases in Italy when they were so quick to condemn Russia for similar issues. 😏 The Strait of Hormuz reopening is crucial for global oil prices, and India must be monitoring this closely. Our foreign policy needs to be very delicate here.
Italy reopening embassy in Tehran is a good diplomatic move, but this whole episode shows how fragile alliances are. One NATO secretary's off-hand comment can cause a diplomatic storm. India should take note: having strong bilateral ties with both Iran and the West is possible, but only if we play our cards right. No total alignment with anyone.
I'm skeptical. Italy claims zero involvement, but allowing 500 US military aircraft doesn't sound like "peaceful" transit. The legal gymnastics here are staggering. Iran's pointing to UN Resolution 3314 is spot-on. Countries can't just claim ignorance while providing bases for strikes. This is a dangerous precedent.
Respectfully, this whole thing shows how middle powers get caught between superpowers. Italy wants good relations with US AND Iran? Good luck with that! 😅 India faces similar dilemmas with Russia vs West. The key is to maintain strategic autonomy. At least Italy is talking with Iran - that's more than some countries do
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.