(SeaPRwire) – Additional key European allies are limiting U.S. military access as the Trump administration continues its campaign against Iran, with France and Spain both taking steps to prevent U.S.-associated aircraft from utilizing their airspace or facilities.
President Donald Trump stated that France has denied overflight permission to aircraft transporting U.S. military supplies to Israel, representing an unusual interruption in the standard military coordination between Washington and its principal European partners.
These denials are operationally significant, as U.S. bases in Europe serve as “essential” staging and transit points for military aircraft, crucial for supporting operations in the Middle East.
This action is the newest indication of increasing tension between the United States and its European allies, as President Donald Trump intensifies pressure on NATO members to back operations related to the conflict with Iran.
A Reuters report from Tuesday indicated that Italy rejected a request for U.S. military aircraft to land at Sicily’s Sigonella Air Base en route to the Middle East, stating that Washington had not obtained prior authorization from Rome.
An Italian government statement countered reports of a breakdown, declaring: “Regarding media reports on the use of military bases, the government reiterates that Italy acts in full compliance with existing international agreements and with the policy guidelines presented by the government to parliament.”
The statement continued, “Relations with the United States, in particular, are solid and founded on complete and faithful cooperation.”
A high-ranking U.S. official supported Italy’s assertion, informing Digital, “This is false. Italy is currently supportive in providing access, basing and overflight for U.S. forces.”
On Monday, Spain announced it had closed its airspace to U.S. planes engaged in strikes, extending beyond its prior refusal to permit the use of jointly operated bases. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has been one of the most outspoken critics of the U.S. and Israeli military actions.
Addressing parliament on Tuesday, Spain’s defense minister stated the government had “prohibited the use of the bases of Rota and Morón” and did not issue flight authorizations “to support operations in Iran.”
The minister emphasized that the choice was confined specifically to Iran-linked operations and does not represent a wider rupture with NATO or the United States.
“If one looks at Spain’s refusal to allow U.S. overflight over its airspace or U.S. bases,” Hemmings noted, “one could argue it’s a U.S.-Spanish issue. The prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, a socialist, has no love lost for the MAGA movement. But Italy’s refusal comes after Poland’s refusal to allow a U.S. Patriot anti-missile battery to be redeployed and looks like the U.S. wheels are wobbling — if not coming off.”
On Tuesday, Trump heightened his criticism of allies in a series of Truth Social posts, specifically naming France and the United Kingdom, despite the UK continuing to allow U.S. aircraft to operate from its territory for bomber and refueling missions connected to Middle East operations.
“The Country of France wouldn’t let planes headed to Israel, loaded up with military supplies, fly over French territory,” Trump wrote.
“France has been VERY UNHELPFUL with respect to the ‘Butcher of Iran,’ who has been successfully eliminated! The U.S.A. will REMEMBER!!!,” he added.
A source within the French presidency, the Élysée Palace, told Digital, “We are surprised by this tweet. France has not changed its position since the first day, and we confirm this decision, which is consistent with the French position since the beginning of the conflict.”
On Tuesday, the Israeli Ministry of Defense announced it is taking steps to cut defense procurement from France to zero, substituting it with domestic production or purchases from other allied nations. The ministry also stated it has halted plans for further professional engagement with the French military, including canceled meetings with France’s defense leadership.
In another post on Tuesday, Trump criticized the U.K. while calling on allies to act in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil shipping lane disrupted during the conflict.
“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,” Trump wrote.
“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.”
“You’ll have to start learning how to fight for yourself, the U.S.A. won’t be there to help you anymore, just like you weren’t there for us. Iran has been, essentially, decimated. The hard part is done. Go get your own oil!”
War Secretary Pete Hegseth reiterated that sentiment during a press briefing on Tuesday.
“There are countries around the world who ought to be prepared to step up on this critical waterway as well,” he stated. “It’s not just the United States Navy. Last time I checked, there was supposed to be a big, bad Royal Navy that could be prepared to do things like that as well.”
NATO recognized the mounting pressure, referencing comments made by Secretary-General Mark Rutte at a March 26 press conference.
“What I’ve been seeing is some frustration with him (Trump), about the Europeans needing to take time to react to his request, when it comes to this question of making sure that sea lanes are open,” Rutte said.
“There is a reason for that … the U.S. was not able to consult with allies because they wanted to keep the campaign secret,” he explained. “But that also had the disadvantage that it takes time for the Europeans to get organized.”
Rutte added that over 30 nations have since participated in talks on securing maritime routes, “exactly also to the request of President Trump.”
Hemmings cautioned that the repercussions might have wider strategic implications.
“There is something deeper here, though, and that is that there is a growing transatlantic rift between right-leaning populists and left-leaning populists,” he observed. “The fact is that the U.S. and many Western European countries are not only split over NATO spending and trade; they are split ideologically.”
“This should worry planners at the Pentagon and at NATO headquarters in Brussels,” he said. “Despite recent changes in U.S. force structure in Europe, changes have been incremental and carefully broadcast. The U.S. and Europe still need each other badly for defense-industrial cooperation, for helping bring Ukraine to victory, and for deterring their mutual adversaries.”
Digital also contacted Italy and the Pentagon for comment but did not get replies by the publication deadline.
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