Italy Approves Use of U.S. bases at Member States’ request: delicate Situation, Opposition against

Italy aligns with France and Germany, approving today in the Chamber of Deputies the use of U.S. bases should their availability be requested by member states for the defense of their own territory.

On March 5, 2026, the Chamber of Deputies approved a majority resolution on the crisis in Iran, supporting the use of U.S. bases in Italy, military aid, and European cooperation. The resolution commits the government to protect Italian citizens and defend EU countries from possible missile or drone attacks.

The vote came after government briefings on the situation in Iran, during which Minister Crosetto spoke in the Chamber declaring: “The USA-Israel attack is outside international law.” Proposals from the opposition parties (Pd, M5S, Avs) were rejected, confirming a clear strategic stance by the Chamber.

Additionally, Greece, along with Italy, France, and the Netherlands, decided to support their American allies by sending military aid via ships to Cyprus. A source close to Macron stated that they aim to guarantee freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.

The opposition contests the decision. The secretary of the Pd, Elly Schlein, does not approve of the government’s initiative, pushing her political allies to follow her position, in line with what Spain has done.

The situation remains delicate. The likelihood of escalation is increasing, considering statements made last week by Iran, which emphasized that any European stance alongside the “American Giant” could have significant consequences.

Benedetta Zimone