NATO's Defiance Towards the US and Tehran's 'Reward' Diplomacy
The war launched by the United States (US) and Israel against Iran has now triggered cracks within NATO. Several of Washington’s major allies in Europe are openly defying it by refusing airspace permissions, bases, and the delivery of air defence systems, amid uncertainty over the US commitment to NATO’s collective defence clause.
Middle East Eye reports that Spain has officially closed its airspace to US fighter jets involved in the attacks on Iran. Italy has taken a similar step; the newspaper Corriere della Sera reported that Rome has denied landing permission for US military aircraft heading to the Middle East at its Sicily base.
Poland, long known as the most loyal US ally in Eastern Europe, has even publicly rejected an informal request from the Trump administration to relocate their Patriot air defence systems to the Middle East.
US President Donald Trump vented his frustration via a post on social media platform X. He condemned France for banning the use of its airspace for delivering military equipment to Israel. Trump also criticised the UK for its reluctance to join the war.
“The US will remember this!!!” Trump wrote in a threatening tone.
This tension is exacerbated by statements from US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who refused to commit to NATO’s Article 5—the principle that an attack on one member is an attack on all. Hegseth instead stated that the US had attacked Iran “on behalf of the free world”, yet faced obstacles from its allies.
Dilemma of the Strait of Hormuz
Behind Europe’s rejection lies real concern over energy stability. Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has skyrocketed oil and gas prices in Europe, which were already hit by the diversion of energy sources from Russia following the Ukraine invasion.
Iran is now attempting to build an alternative system in that vital shipping route, prioritising ships not affiliated with the West or those transacting in Chinese yuan rather than the US dollar.
In response, Trump has shown a surprising hands-off attitude. “Just take it yourselves!” Trump wrote referring to control of the Strait of Hormuz. “You need to learn to fight for yourselves. The US won’t be there to help you anymore, just like you weren’t there for us. Go and get your own oil!”