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Europe pushes back on some US military operations as concerns over Iran ...
Highlights: France, Italy and Spain denied US military support or airspace for Iran operations, sources say President Trump criticises NATO allies, calling France and UK unhelpful Spain defended its stance as upholding international law France and Italy have pushed back against some US-Israeli military operations, sources said on Tuesday, as US President Donald Trump criticised NATO allies in Europe as unhelpful in the month-long war in Iran, highlighting divisions. The decisions came against a backdrop of tensions between Washington and key partners over the war. Earlier this month, Trump called longtime NATO allies "cowards" over their lack of support. On Tuesday, he criticised countries that did not help in the US-Israeli strikes. France says no Trump accused France of blocking aircraft carrying military supplies to Israel from flying over its territory, writing on Truth Social that France had been "VERY UNHELPFUL". The French presidency said it was surprised by the post and said its decision was consistent with France's policy since the conflict began. A Western diplomat and two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters earlier that the refusal, which happened at the weekend, was the first time France had done this since the start of the conflict on 28 February. The sources said Israel had wanted to use France's airspace to transport US weapons to be used in the war against Iran. Israel's defence ministry accused France of actively obstructing the transfer of munitions to Israel, according to a statement. It said the French ban was imposed despite prior coordination and assurances that the munitions were intended solely for use against Iran, adding that the effort was critical to European security. The ministry said Israel would cut all defence procurement from France and would have no new engagement with the French military. French arms sales to Israel are relatively small, and it was unclear whether the move would affect French troops serving with UN peacekeepers in Lebanon. Italy denies permission Italy last week denied permission for US military aircraft to land at the Sigonella air base in Sicily before heading to the Middle East, sources said. According to the Corriere della Sera daily, which first reported the news, "some US bombers" had been due to land at the base in eastern Sicily before flying on to the Middle East. Italy's Defence Minister Guido Crosetto later denied any rift with Washington or any change in policy. He posted a messag...
European Allies Tell Trump 'No' to Iran War: Why It Matters
YOAN VALAT|POOL|AFP|Getty ImagesFrench President Emmanuel Macron and U.S. President Donald Trump greet each other at the Gaza Peace Summit.Traditional American allies in Europe – France, Spain, Italy – aren’t just declining to join military operations against Iran. In recent days, they have blocked the use of bases and airspace by U.S. military assets in the campaign.Not since the run-up to the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq has there been such a chasm between Washington and some of its most important NATO partners. President Donald Trump, not known as a fan of the alliance, has responded by hinting the U.S. may not fulfill its NATO treaty obligations or may even pull out entirely.Transatlantic relations, already under strain from Trump’s tariffs, are in crisis. The big winners appear to be Russia and China, which surely would not hate to see a weakening – or worse – of the alliances that have undergirded America’s global influence for nearly eight decades.Sign Up for U.S. News Decision PointsYour trusted source for breaking down the latest news from Washington and beyond, delivered weekdays.By clicking "Sign Up", you will receive the latest updates, including emails, from U.S. News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors, and you agree to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy.Coalition of the UnwillingIn 2003, the White House referred to countries supportive of the invasion of Iraq as “the coalition of the willing” in an effort to rebut accusations that Washington was going it alone. Notably absent were countries like France and Germany.In 2026, we might repurpose that expression and note the existence of a coalition of the unwilling. Early this month, France said it was allowing U.S. aircraft involved in “operational support” (like refueling) to use its bases, but not warplanes directly involved in striking Iran. Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles said Monday that the country had closed its airspace to U.S. planes involved in striking Iran. It had previously refused to let U.S. planes use jointly operated military bases on its soil. Poland has rejected a U.S. request to redeploy Patriot missile defense systems to the Middle East as America and its Gulf allies worry about running low on weapons to intercept Iranian missiles and drones. The most interesting case study may be Italy. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is a Trump ally who recently suffered a setback when voters rejected a judicial overhaul in a March 22 referendum that effe...
UPDATED: Italy blocks base use, Spain closes airspace, France denies ...
Italy, Spain and France have moved to restrict military activity linked to the war in Iran, underscoring divisions among European allies as the conflict continues. Italian authorities denied the United States permission to use the Sigonella air base in Sicily after becoming aware of flight plans involving U.S. aircraft bound for the Middle East, according…
Iran war: What is happening on day 35 of US-Israeli attacks?
The United States and Israel are widening their attacks on Iran, hitting infrastructure in and around the capital, as Washington ramps up pressure on Tehran and the conflict spreads across the ...
