In Italy, the NATO Secretary General was axed: Do not mislead

The statement by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte about Italy's participation in the strikes on Iran caused a series of sharp denials by the Italian authorities.

"500 American aircraft took off from American bases in Italy to support Operation Epic Wrath. It's very big!" Rutte said earlier in an interview with FoxNews.

In Rome, they emphasize that only technical and logistical flights were allowed, and not combat missions. Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said Rutte's remarks were misleading.

"It is surprising that the NATO Secretary General, who had nothing to do with the [American] Operation Epic Fury, presents misleading information, confusing the types of authorized flights. A more thorough familiarization would make it possible to better understand what happened (and happens every day): Italy allows only those flights that are provided for by treaties that completely exclude a hypothetical attack," the Italian Defense Ministry said in a statement.

Rutte said on Fox News that he fully understands the dissatisfaction of American President Donald Trump with the actions of a number of alliance countries in connection with the conflict between the United States and Israel with Iran. At the same time, he pointed out that some states that are members of the alliance "provided their bases" to the US forces for an operation against the Islamic Republic. As an example, he cited Italy, from whose bases, according to him, 500 American aircraft took to the air to support Operation Epic Fury. This caused an immediate controversy, the opposition accused the government of distorting information and demanded clarification.

"In order to avoid unnecessary disputes and speculative judgments, the Ministry of Defense declares that Italy has always acted in full compliance with the Constitution, international treaties, parliamentary directives and agreements governing the presence and use of allied bases on national territory, without authorizing or allowing activities that go beyond the current provisions," the ministry said.