ROME, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Italy's refusal to allow the United States to use a military base was consistent with existing agreements with Washington and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and Italy is not at war with Iran, Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said on Tuesday.
He made the remarks while addressing the lower house on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, following the cabinet's decision in late March not to allow two U.S. military planes en route to Iran to the Sigonella military base in Sicily.
Crosetto said the decision was in line with international agreements. The U.S. request was rejected because the two aircraft were carrying weapons, a circumstance that requires parliamentary approval. Other European Union members made similar decisions.
He also noted that respecting existing agreements with allies does not mean being involved in the war with Iran.
"We cannot indulge in hysterical ruptures or infantile subordination, because the path we follow is that of the law, international treaties, and the Constitution," he added.
Earlier on Tuesday, Crosetto warned against further escalation in the Middle East conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
In an interview with Corriere della Sera, he described the current situation as one "without precedent in recent decades," warning in particular about the possible use of nuclear weapons.
"I fear that what is already dramatic could get even worse, because humanity has shown us that madness knows no bounds," he told the newspaper.
In addition to denying U.S. use of the Sigonella base, Italian authorities have also refused to take part in the U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran. ■