European nations have continued to push back against U.S.–Israeli military operations against Iran amid criticisms from U.S. President Donald Trump that NATO allies have been “unhelpful” in the month-long war.
On March 31, Trump again lambasted countries that haven’t assisted in the strikes, writing in a post on Truth Social that France had been “VERY UNHELPFUL” after it decided to refuse Israel use of French airspace to transport U.S. weapons to be used in the war.
The French presidency said that its decision was consistent with France’s policy since the conflict began on Feb. 28.
“We are surprised by this [post]. France has not changed its position since day one [of the conflict] and we confirm this decision,” French President Emmanuel Macron’s office said.
Israel’s defense ministry said the French ban was imposed despite prior coordination and assurances that the munitions were intended solely for use against Iran.
The ministry said Israel would cut all defense procurement from France and would have no new engagement with the French military.
Italy refused permission last week for U.S. military aircraft to land at the Sigonella air base in Sicily before continuing to the Middle East, according to local media outlet Corriere della Sera.
Italy’s defense minister, Guido Crosetto, later denied any rift between Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s right-leaning government and Washington or any shift in policy. In an X post, he said that U.S. air bases remained active but that Washington requires special permission for any use outside of 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 defended its decision to close its airspace to U.S. planes involved in attacks on Iran. Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles said the country will allow the use of its bases only for the collective defense of NATO allies.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, a socialist, has been among the most outspoken critics of the war in Iran, telling reporters in March, “You cannot respond to one illegality with another, because that’s how humanity’s great disasters begin.”
War Debate
Another NATO ally, Germany, is home to Ramstein, the largest U.S. base in Europe.
Berlin said when the war began that there were no restrictions on U.S. forces’ use of the base, although the issue has been debated after German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said he believes the war is illegal.
Trump, on March 31, again criticized the UK government for declining to get involved in the war, just as Buckingham Palace confirmed that King Charles III and Queen Camilla will make a planned state visit to the United States in late April to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence from Britain.
Trump wrote on Truth Social: “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, who has been repeatedly criticized by Trump for declining to send British troops or allow the use of British bases to attack Iran, reiterated his position on April 1.
Starmer, who leads a center-left Labour Party government, said the economic crisis caused by the war means the UK will seek “closer ties to Europe.”
“This is not our war. We will not be drawn into the conflict. That is not in our national interest,” he said at a televised press conference in London.
Although he said he didn’t believe he would have to choose between the United States and Europe, Starmer said the “volatile” situation caused by the conflict meant that Britain’s “long-term national interest requires closer partnership with … allies in Europe and with the European Union.”
The UK electorate voted the country out of the EU in 2016, and the UK left the bloc in 2020.
In an April 1 interview with the Daily Telegraph, Trump said that he is considering pulling the United States out of NATO.
Asked about the president’s remarks, Starmer described NATO as the “single most effective military alliance the world has ever seen.”
Pressed on the possible deterioration of the “special relationship” with the United States, Starmer said he would continue to act in the British national interest “whatever the pressure” on him and others, “whatever the noise.”
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper will host a meeting of international leaders this week to assess all possible diplomatic options to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, Starmer said. Tehran’s blockage of the key shipping route has caused oil and gas prices to soar worldwide, causing economic shockwaves.
In another April 1 Truth Social post, Trump said the Iranian leadership had asked for a cease-fire, and he suggested he might end the military campaign against Iran, whether or not a deal is reached for securing the Strait of Hormuz.
“We will consider when Hormuz Strait is open, free, and clear,” the president wrote. “Until then, we are blasting Iran into oblivion or, as they say, back to the Stone Ages!!!” the president wrote.
Reuters contributed to this report.
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