European countries are increasingly resisting U.S. requests for assistance against Iran, despite President Donald Trump’s growing frustration with Washington’s historic allies.
Spain has emerged as a key point of tension in this transatlantic divide. Deputy Prime Minister Carlos Cuerpo stated on Monday that Madrid has barred U.S. military aircraft involved in the Middle East conflict from using its airspace and refused access to key bases, reaffirming the government’s opposition to the operation.
Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz announced on Tuesday that Warsaw had “no plans” to relocate its Patriot air defense systems to the Middle East, emphasizing that “Poland’s security is an absolute priority,” a sentiment he shared on X. Similarly, Italy declared on Tuesday that it had refused U.S. requests for Iran-bound bombers to use its Sigonella air base in Sicily.
Since the U.S. and Israel began strikes against Tehran on February 28, France, Germany, Italy, and the U.K. have opposed sending warships to the Gulf. In March, they endorsed a joint statement with countries including Japan and Canada, advocating for “appropriate efforts” to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, but only after the conflict ceases, as emphasized by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Tensions have heightened, with Trump criticizing France for closing its airspace to aircraft transporting military supplies to Israel, labeling Paris as “VERY UNHELPFUL” and issuing a warning: “The U.S.A. will REMEMBER!!!” He also cautioned European allies that securing the Strait of Hormuz would become their responsibility, not Washington’s.
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