NATO chief Rutte cites flights from Italy; Rome says authorization covered logistics only, not combat (decode39.com)

• Rutte: 500 U.S. aircraft from Italian bases, 4,000–5,000 missions across Europe
• Italy's Defense Ministry rebuts: only logistical support authorized, not combat
• NATO spokesperson clarifies Rutte's remarks referred to logistical support under bilateral agreements

"NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said 500 U.S. aircraft departed from bases in Italy to support the U.S. operation against Iran, prompting a rebuttal from Italy's Defense Ministry. Rome insisted it authorized only technical and logistical activities, not combat operations. NATO later clarified that Rutte referred to support under existing bilateral agreements."