Italy denies authorising combat flights amid NATO chief's claim of 500 US planes from Italian bases

NATO Secretary‑General Mark Rutte told Fox News that about 500 U.S. aircraft had taken off from Italian bases to support the U.S.‑Israel operation “Epic Fury” against Iran. The Italian government responded that Italy only permitted technical and logistical flights, not any kinetic combat missions, and therefore did not take part in the war. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reiterated that Italy respected treaty limits and supplied only non‑combat support, while Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said any requests beyond that scope were refused. Opposition parties and several media outlets demanded clarification, and President Donald Trump criticised Italy for the alleged lack of support. The dispute has sparked a political row in Italy and raised questions about the interpretation of bilateral defence agreements.