Italy rejects NATO chief Rutte's claim that US aircraft operate combat missions from Italian bases

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte told Fox News that 500 US aircraft had taken off from bases in Italy, suggesting they were part of combat operations against Iran. The Italian defence ministry sharply rebutted the statement, saying only technical and logistical flights have ever been authorised and that no combat missions are permitted from Italian soil. The ministry called Rutte’s remarks a "completely misleading message" and emphasized that Italy operates within its constitution and international treaties.

The dispute comes as Rutte prepares to meet US President Donald Trump, who has recently criticised European allies for insufficient support. Italy stressed that any requests beyond the agreed framework have been denied, and reiterated that the NATO chief’s comments “have nothing to do with Operation Epic Fury.” The episode has heightened political tension in Rome over the communication of NATO‑US activities.