France and Italy have joined Spain in restricting access for US military operations related to the month-long war with Iran, marking a significant fracture in NATO unity as President Donald Trump publicly berates European allies for their refusal to provide greater support. The decisions come amid mounting European concerns over the legality and strategic objectives of the US-Israeli campaign, with Madrid emerging as the most vocal critic of the conflict that has now entered its fifth week.
Spain has taken the firmest stance among European nations, closing its airspace to US planes involved in attacks on Iran and denying use of the jointly operated Rota and Morón military bases in southern Spain. Defense Minister Margarita Robles confirmed that these restrictions have been in place since the conflict began on February 28, stating that "neither the bases are authorized, nor, of course, is the use of Spanish airspace authorized for any actions related to the war in Iran". Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who has been among Europe's most outspoken critics of the US-Israeli strikes, described the conflict as "profoundly illegal and profoundly unjust," warning that "you cannot respond to one illegality with another, because that's how humanity's great disasters begin".
President Trump's anger was particularly directed at France, which he accused of refusing to allow aircraft carrying military supplies to Israel to fly over French territory. Writing on Truth Social, Trump declared that "France has been VERY UNHELPFUL with respect to the 'Butcher of Iran'" and warned "The U.S.A. will REMEMBER!!!". Sources familiar with the matter told Reuters that the refusal, which occurred over the weekend, was the first time France had taken such action since the conflict began. Israeli aircraft carrying American weapons made the request, which Paris denied despite prior coordination and assurances that the munitions were intended solely for use against Iran.
Italy has also pushed back, denying permission for US military aircraft to land at the Sigonella Air Base in Sicily last week. According to reports from Corriere della Sera, "some US bombers" had been due to land at the base in eastern Sicily before continuing to the Middle East. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto intervened after becoming aware of the flight plan, which had not gone through required approval channels and did not fall under routine operations covered by existing agreements. While Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has reaffirmed support for cooperation with the United States, she has emphasized that "Italian sovereignty and legal procedures must be respected," noting that "her country is not at war and does not intend to enter one".
The president also directed his criticism at Britain, suggesting that the United Kingdom and other nations struggling with fuel shortages due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz should "build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT". Trump accused Britain of having "refused to get involved in the decapitation of Iran" and warned that "the U.S.A. won't be there to help you anymore, just like you weren't there for us". The outburst came just weeks before King Charles and Queen Camilla are scheduled to pay a state visit to the United States in late April.
The growing rift has raised fundamental questions about the future of the transatlantic alliance. In his posts, Trump threatened that the United States would no longer defend NATO allies, declaring that European nations "will have to learn how to fight for yourself". US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed frustration with Spain's position, telling Al Jazeera that "if NATO is just about us defending Europe if they're attacked but then denying us basing rights when we need them, that's not a very good arrangement".
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, however, dismissed concerns about US reprisals, stating: "We fear absolutely nothing. How could a country possibly fear anything for upholding international law, world peace and the United Nations Charter?". European leaders have maintained that the United States did not consult them before launching the joint operation with Israel, and many have cited the lack of clarity around US strategic objectives as reason for their reluctance.