Rome, June 26, 2026 – The Europe Today: Italy has rejected NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s assertion that it assisted the United States in military operations against Iran, clarifying that it did not participate in the conflict.
Responding to the remarks, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Italy had never taken part in the Iran conflict and denied suggestions that the country was directly involved in the operation.
Meloni stated that Italy had provided the United States military only with technical and logistical support, stressing that such assistance did not amount to participation in military action.
Her comments came after NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that around 500 US military aircraft had departed from bases in Italy as part of Operation Epic Fury against Iran.
The Italian government reiterated that its role was limited to logistical cooperation and did not include involvement in combat operations.
