European Allies Restrict US Military Access Amid Iran War

A diplomatic rift has emerged between the United States and several NATO allies over the legality of Operation Epic Fury, the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran. Donald Trump has faced widespread resistance in Europe, with Spain, Italy, and France restricting military access to their territories and airspace. Spain has completely closed its sovereign airspace and denied the use of the Rota and Morón military bases to US aircraft involved in the conflict, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez characterizing the war as "illegal, reckless and unjust."

Italy similarly denied US bombers permission to land at the Sigonella air base in Sicily, with Defense Minister Guido Crosetto citing a failure by the US to seek required prior authorization. France has reportedly blocked Israeli aircraft transporting American weapons from using its airspace. These restrictions have forced the relocation of approximately 15 KC-135 tanker aircraft to Germany and France and required bombers from the UK's RAF Fairford to fly longer routes.

In response, Trump has threatened Spain with a full trade embargo and accused NATO members of being "cowards," warning that Washington "will remember" the lack of support. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the restrictions "very disappointing" and suggested the US may re-examine its relationship with NATO, arguing the alliance cannot be a "one-way street."

Other allies have taken varied positions: the UK continues to permit base usage and is deploying additional forces, while Poland has refused to relocate Patriot batteries to the Middle East to protect its own eastern flank. Germany remains a logistical hub via Ramstein Air Base, though Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized the US approach as a "massive escalation."