European nations resist U.S. demands for military support, deepening transatlantic rift.
Category: Politics
As the U.S.-Israel war on Iran enters its second month, President Donald Trump’s already strained relationship with NATO allies is deteriorating rapidly. A growing number of European partners are pushing back against Washington's requests for military support, exacerbating a transatlantic rift that some analysts warn could threaten the very existence of NATO.
Trump has sought increased backing from allies for various military operations, from deploying naval forces to the Strait of Hormuz to utilizing military bases across Europe. Yet, responses have been tepid at best. Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles confirmed that Spain has closed its airspace to U.S. military planes involved in the conflict, stating, “I think everyone knows Spain’s position. It’s very clear.” Spain also denied the U.S. access to jointly operated military bases, a decision Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez described as “unjustifiable” and “dangerous.” In retaliation, Trump threatened to cut trade with Madrid.
Italy's government has also turned down requests for U.S. bombers to use a military base in Sicily. Nonetheless, officials clarified that each request would be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has permitted U.S. bombers to operate from its territory, but only for defensive missions against Iranian military sites. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized on April 1, 2026, that the UK will not be drawn into the conflict, asserting, “This is not our war. We will not be drawn into the conflict. That is not in our national interest.”
The tensions have escalated to the point where Trump has labeled NATO a “paper tiger,” expressing his frustration in an interview with The Telegraph. He stated, “I always knew they were a paper tiger,” and indicated that a U.S. withdrawal from NATO is now “beyond reconsideration.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed this sentiment, arguing that if NATO is merely about defending Europe without reciprocal support for U.S. operations, it needs to be “re-examined.”
Trump’s frustrations extend beyond Spain and Italy. He has also criticized France for refusing to allow U.S. planes carrying military supplies bound for Israel to traverse its airspace. Sources indicated that this decision was made as Israel sought to transport U.S. weapons to be employed in the conflict against Iran. Poland's Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz added that Poland has “no plans” to relocate its Patriot air defense systems to the Middle East, emphasizing that the country's security is a priority.
One of the most contentious issues has been the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway through which approximately one-fifth of global oil and gas exports pass. Trump has repeatedly requested assistance from allies to secure this key maritime route, yet countries like Italy, the UK, France, and Greece have all declined to join a naval coalition aimed at reopening the strait. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius articulated the rationale for such refusals, stating, “This is not our war. We have not started it.”
Experts warn that the mounting tensions could have severe implications for NATO. Alicia García Herrero, a senior fellow at the Brussels-based think tank Bruegel, remarked, “This could end up being the end of NATO – literally.” She cautioned that if the U.S. escalates the conflict in Iran without European involvement, the consequences could be dire. Turkey’s potential role is particularly important, as it possesses the second-largest army in NATO and shares a 534-kilometer border with Iran.
As the conflict continues, the economic ramifications are becoming increasingly apparent. The slowdown in marine traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has led to disruptions in global supply chains, with shipping companies wary of potential attacks on their vessels. Oil and gas prices have surged by as much as 60 percent in some regions, leading to shortages in various countries. Even if the strait reopens soon, experts predict that the economic effects will linger long after.
In light of these developments, France's Ministry of the Armed Forces announced that it is in discussions with around 35 countries to plan a mission aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz once the war concludes. The specific countries involved in these discussions have not been disclosed.
Amidst this turmoil, analysts are concerned about the potential long-term implications for NATO and the transatlantic alliance. The current crisis is compounded by Trump's history of pressuring European nations to increase defense spending, imposing tariffs on EU exports, and even threatening to invade Greenland, a territory under Danish sovereignty that is also part of NATO. Federica Mangiameli, a senior program manager at GLOBSEC, expressed concern that the continuous threats from Trump only deepen the rift between Washington and European capitals.
Many experts argue that a U.S. withdrawal from NATO would prove detrimental to American interests, as the U.S. heavily relies on European allies for military bases, intelligence sharing, and diplomatic relations. Tressa Guenov, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, noted that allies provide capabilities that the U.S. lacks, such as on-the-ground diplomatic experience with Iran and relationships with regional actors.
The situation remains fluid, and as the U.S. continues to navigate its relationship with NATO allies, the stakes are higher than ever. The potential for a rift that could redefine global security dynamics hangs large, with analysts urging both sides to seek a resolution before it’s too late. As the conflict continues to escalate, the future of NATO hangs in the balance, leaving many to wonder what comes next for this historic alliance.