The Italian government has reportedly refused to allow the U.S. to use a Sicilian air base as a stopover on the way to the Middle East amid the ongoing Iran war.

A group of U.S. bombers were reportedly set to land, but were not granted permission due to the U.S. not seeking prior authorization, Corriere della Sera daily reported. Reuters subsequently reported that the incident took place on March 27.

The Italian government issued a statement on the matter, saying "Italy acts in full compliance with existing international agreements and with the policy guidelines set out by ​the government to parliament."

The development comes in the wake of Spain refusing to allow the U.S. to use its bases for operations related to the Iran war and as President Donald Trump increasingly voices his frustrations with NATO members over their hesitance to aid in the conflict.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.