Trump's Allies Fracture: Many NATO Countries Refuse to Aid US in Iran War
Divisions among Western allies are becoming increasingly apparent following the refusal or limitation of support by several European and NATO countries for the United States and Israel’s military operations against Iran.
This decision comes amid rising tensions between Washington and its major allies regarding the Iran war.
Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump even labelled long-standing NATO allies as “cowards” due to their lack of support. On Tuesday (31 March 2026), he again attacked countries not assisting the US-Israel strikes.
France
Trump accused France of obstructing aircraft carrying military supplies to Israel from crossing its airspace. In a post on Truth Social, he wrote that France was “VERY UNHELPFUL”.
According to Reuters, the French presidency expressed surprise at the post and affirmed that the decision aligned with France’s policy since the conflict began.
A Western diplomat and two sources familiar with the matter previously stated that the refusal, which occurred over the weekend, was the first time France had taken such a step since the conflict started on 28 February.
According to sources, Israel sought to use French airspace to transport US weapons intended for use in the war against Iran.
Israel’s Ministry of Defence accused France of actively hindering the transfer of ammunition to Israel. In its statement, the ministry said the French ban was imposed despite prior coordination and assurances that the ammunition was solely for use against Iran.
The ministry added that such efforts were crucial for European security. Israel also stated it would halt all defence procurement from France and engage in no new involvement with the French military.
France’s arms sales to Israel are relatively small, and it remains unclear whether this move will affect French forces serving alongside UN peacekeepers in Lebanon.
Italy
Sources indicated that Italy last week denied permission for US military aircraft to land at the Sigonella airbase in Sicily before heading to the Middle East.
According to the daily Corriere della Sera, which first reported the story, “several US bombers” were scheduled to land at the base in eastern Sicily before continuing their flight to the Middle East.
Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto later denied any rift with Washington or policy change. In a message on platform X, he stated that the US airbase remained operational, but Washington required special permission for uses beyond existing agreements.
Spain
Meanwhile, Spain defended its decision to fully close its airspace to US aircraft involved in strikes against Iran.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has been one of the most vocal critics of the US and Israeli attacks. Defence Minister Margarita Robles stated that Spain would only allow use of its military bases for collective defence among NATO allies.
Trump also highlighted the UK as an unhelpful country, just as Buckingham Palace confirmed that King Charles III and Queen Camilla would undertake a state visit to the US at the end of April.
“All countries that cannot obtain jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz, like the UK, which refuses to engage in decapitating Iran’s leadership, I have advice for you: Number 1, buy from the United States, we have plenty, and Number 2, muster your long-overdue courage, go to that strait, and JUST TAKE IT,” Trump wrote.