European allies resist U.S.-Israeli military campaign while Trump criticizes NATO partners for lack of support and signals potential policy shifts
European nations have continued to push back against U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran amid criticism from President Donald Trump that NATO allies have been “unhelpful” during the monthlong war.
On March 31, Trump again rebuked countries that have not assisted in the strikes, writing on his platform Truth Social that France had been “VERY UNHELPFUL” after refusing Israel access to French airspace for transporting American weapons to be used in the war.
The French presidency said the decision was consistent with its position since the conflict began on Feb. 28.
“We are surprised by this tweet [on Truth Social]. France has not changed its position since day one [of the conflict] and we confirm this decision,” the office of President Emmanuel Macron said.
Israel’s defense ministry stated that the French ban came despite prior coordination and assurances that the munitions were intended solely for use against Iran. The ministry added that Israel would halt all defense procurement from France and end new military engagements with the country.
Italy also denied permission for U.S. military aircraft to land at the Sigonella air base in Sicily before heading to the Middle East, according to local media.
Italy’s Defense Minister Guido Crosetto later rejected any suggestion of a rift between Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government and Washington or any policy shift. In a post on X, he said U.S. bases in Italy remain operational but require special authorization for uses beyond existing agreements.
“I want to reiterate that there is no cooling or tension with the U.S., because they know the rules that have governed their presence in Italy since 1954 just as well as we do,” Crosetto wrote.
Spain has also defended its decision to close its airspace to U.S. planes involved in strikes on Iran. Defense Minister Margarita Robles said the country would allow its bases to be used only for the collective defense of NATO allies.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has been among the most outspoken critics of the war, stating in March: “You cannot respond to one illegality with another, because that’s how humanity’s great disasters begin.”
War Debate
Germany, another NATO ally, hosts Ramstein, the largest U.S. military base in Europe.
Berlin initially said there were no restrictions on U.S. forces using the base, but the issue has since sparked debate after President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said he believes the war is illegal.
Trump also renewed criticism of the United Kingdom for declining to participate in the conflict, as Buckingham Palace confirmed that King Charles III and Queen Camilla will visit the United States in late April to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence.
In a Truth Social post, Trump wrote: “All of those countries that can’t get jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz, like the United Kingdom, which refused to get involved in the decapitation of Iran, I have a suggestion for you: Number 1, buy from the U.S., we have plenty, and Number 2, build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer reiterated his stance on April 1, stating that Britain would not be drawn into the conflict.
“This is not our war. We will not be drawn into the conflict. That is not in our national interest,” Starmer said during a televised press conference in London.
He added that the economic fallout from the war would push the UK to seek closer ties with Europe.
Although he said he did not expect to choose between the United States and Europe, Starmer described the situation as “volatile,” emphasizing that Britain’s long-term national interest requires stronger partnerships with European allies and the European Union.
The UK voted to leave the EU in the 2016 Brexit referendum and formally exited the bloc in 2020.
In an April 1 interview with the Daily Telegraph, Trump said he is considering withdrawing the United States from NATO.
Responding to the remarks, Starmer described NATO as “the single most effective military alliance the world has ever seen,” adding that he would continue to act in Britain’s national interest “whatever the pressure on me and others, whatever the noise.”
Starmer also said British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper will host a meeting of international leaders this week to explore diplomatic options to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s blockage of the vital shipping route has driven global oil and gas prices higher, triggering economic shockwaves.
In another April 1 Truth Social post, Trump said Iranian leaders had requested a cease-fire and indicated he may end the military campaign regardless of whether an agreement is reached to secure the Strait of Hormuz.
“We will consider when Hormuz Strait is open, free, and clear. Until then, we are blasting Iran into oblivion or, as they say, back to the Stone Ages!!!” he wrote.
