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A woman stands inside her brother’s home, which was damaged by an airstrike amid ongoing US and Israeli military actions against Iran, in Tehran, Iran, March 30, 2026. — Reuters
- France has blocked the airspace for military flights delivering supplies to Israel.
- Italy has refused US aircraft permission to land at Sicily’s air base.
- Spain has closed its airspace in response to US planes involved in strikes on Iran.
France and Italy pushed back against certain US-Israeli military operations on Tuesday, as tensions escalate within the month-long conflict involving Iran. U.S. President Donald Trump criticized NATO allies across Europe, accusing them of not providing enough support and highlighting divides among the allies.
The moves occurred against a backdrop of strained relationships between Washington and its key partners over the war. Earlier in the month, Trump called longstanding NATO allies “cowards” for their lack of assistance. On Tuesday, he criticized countries that did not contribute to US-Israeli strikes.
France’s Response
Trump claimed France blocked aircraft carrying military supplies destined for Israel from flying over its airspace, describing France as “VERY UNHELPFUL” on Truth Social. The French government stated it was taken aback by Trump’s post and confirmed that their decision aligned with France’s policy since the conflict began.
Sources familiar with the matter, including a Western diplomat, told Reuters that the weekend refusal was the first time France had taken such action since the conflict started on February 28. Israel reportedly wanted to use French airspace to move US-made weapons used in the fight against Iran.
France’s defense ministry accused France of actively obstructing the transfer of munitions to Israel, claiming this was done despite prior coordination and assurances that the weapons were intended solely for Iran’s opposition and for European security. As a result, Israel has decided to cease all defense procurement from France and will have no new interactions with the French military. The impact on French troops serving with UN peacekeepers in Lebanon remains unclear, considering France’s arms sales to Israel are relatively limited.
Italy’s Blockade
Last week, Italy denied US military aircraft permission to land at the Sigonella air base in Sicily before proceeding to the Middle East. According to the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, some US bombers were scheduled to land there before moving further south.
Italy’s Defense Minister, Guido Crosetto, later dismissed any rift with Washington or change in policy, clarifying that US airbases remain operational. However, he added that Washington requires special approval for uses beyond existing agreements.
Spain’s Stand
Meanwhile, Spain firmly defended its decision to completely close its airspace to US planes involved in actions against Iran. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has been outspoken in criticizing US and Israeli strikes. Defense Minister Margarita Robles stated that Spain will only allow its bases to be used collectively for NATO defense efforts.
Trump also criticized Britain for not helping, as Buckingham Palace announced King Charles and Queen Camilla would visit the US in late April. Trump shared on Truth Social: “Countries that can’t get jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz, like the UK—who refused to get involved in the Iran decapitation—here’s my advice: First, buy fuel from us—we have plenty. Second, muster some courage, go to the Strait, and TAKE IT.”
All these countries—US, France, Italy, Spain, and the UK—are NATO members, as is Germany, which hosts Ramstein Air Base, the largest US military installation in Europe. Early in the conflict, Germany indicated there were no restrictions on US use of Ramstein, though debates arose after President Frank-Walter Steinmeier questioned the legality of the war.
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