ROME — As President Donald Trump amped up criticism of NATO countries for refusing to do more in the Iran war on Tuesday, European allies were doubling down on their resistance.
Italy in recent days denied landing rights to U.S. war planes seeking to land at Sigonella base in eastern Sicily after determining their flight plans were linked to the war effort, according to a senior Italian official.
That revelation — involving a nation led by a key Trump ally, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni — emerged a day after Spain said it had gone further in its direct opposition to the war, now refusing not only use of its bases, but also overflight rights to aircraft involved in the conflict, its defense minister said.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, previously struggling in polls, has found a new political lease on life by leading the European resistance to the war.
Trump has expressed growing exasperation with NATO allies for not helping more, even though the alliance’s collective defense clause applies specifically to North America and Europe. On Tuesday, the president lashed out on social media.
“All of those countries that can’t get jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz, like the United Kingdom, which refused to get involved in the decapitation of Iran, I have a suggestion for you: Number 1, buy from the U.S., we have plenty,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “And Number 2, build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT. You’ll have to start learning how to fight for yourself, the U.S.A. won’t be there to help you anymore, just like you weren’t there for us. Iran has been, essentially, decimated. The hard part is done. Go get your own oil! President DJT”
Trump also hit at France. “The Country of France wouldn’t let planes headed to Israel, loaded up with military supplies, fly over French territory. France has been VERY UNHELPFUL,” he wrote.
France has allowed the use of its bases for operations such as refueling but has denied such use for aircraft involved in attacks. It was unclear if Trump was referring to a specific incident or conflating the positions of France and Spain. The Élysée did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Beatriz Ríos in Brussels contributed to this report.
The post Trump slams allies as Italy blocks U.S. use of air base for Iran war appeared first on Washington Post.
