Italy rebukes NATO's Rutte over remarks on US use of bases in Iran war

Around 24 June 2026, the NATO chief Rutte said Italy allowed US planes to use its bases in the Iran war, and Italy rejected the claim. Meloni phoned Rutte and called his remarks on the bases illogical and senseless, according to La Repubblica. Italian outlets and Press TV described Italian outrage, and the Times of India quoted an Italian response that Rutte had suffered a heatstroke.

Separately, Trump criticized NATO over limited participation in the Iran war in a conversation with Rutte. Rutte said he understands Trump's dissatisfaction, and Reuters described him as using flattery to ease tensions with Trump. Meloni said after a meeting of five European countries that NATO's European component should be strengthened.