Allies Rebuff Trump Administration's Requests for Support in Iran War

Spain, Italy, and Poland refuse to provide military access or equipment as the US struggles to maintain international backing for the conflict.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 5:50am

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As the Iran War drags on, the Trump administration is facing growing resistance from its European allies, who are increasingly unwilling to support the US's military operations. Spain has closed its airspace to US aircraft participating in strikes on Iran and denied the US military access to its bases. Italy has also refused to allow US bombers to land at its Sigonella air base. Meanwhile, Poland has firmly stated that it has no plans to deploy its Patriot air defense systems to the Middle East, prioritizing the protection of its own airspace and NATO's eastern flank. The US president has responded with anger, accusing allies of lacking the 'courage' to get involved, but European leaders have remained steadfast in their opposition to the unilateral violation of international law.

Why it matters

The growing rift between the US and its European allies over the Iran War highlights the broader tensions in transatlantic relations. As the US struggles to maintain international support for its military actions, the unwillingness of key partners to provide access or equipment could significantly undermine the US's ability to sustain the conflict. This development also raises questions about the future of NATO and the US's global leadership role.

The details

Spain's Defence Minister Margarita Robles announced that the country had closed its airspace to US aircraft participating in strikes on Iran, adding to an earlier decision to deny the US military access to its bases for operations against Tehran. Italy has also refused to allow several US bombers to land at the Sigonella air base, with the Italian government reiterating that it acts in compliance with international agreements. Meanwhile, Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz stated unequivocally that Poland's Patriot air defense systems would not be deployed to the Middle East, prioritizing the protection of Polish and NATO airspace.

  • On March 30, Spain announced it had closed its airspace to US aircraft participating in strikes on Iran.
  • In early March, Spain denied the US military access to its bases for military operations against Iran.
  • On March 31, Italy refused to allow several US bombers to land at the Sigonella air base.

The players

Margarita Robles

Spain's Defence Minister, who announced the country had closed its airspace to US aircraft participating in strikes on Iran.

Pedro Sánchez

The Prime Minister of Spain, who has been outspoken in his opposition to the Iran War and the unilateral violation of international law.

Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz

The Polish Defence Minister, who stated that Poland's Patriot air defense systems would not be deployed to the Middle East, prioritizing the protection of Polish and NATO airspace.

Giorgia Meloni

The Prime Minister of Italy, whose government reiterated that it acts in compliance with international agreements and policy guidelines expressed to Parliament.

Donald Trump

The US President, who has responded with anger to the reluctance of European partners to support the US's military operations in Iran.

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What they’re saying

“We don't authorise either the use of military bases or the use of airspace for actions related to the war in Iran.”

— Margarita Robles, Spain's Defence Minister

“Today we face a similar situation, and my government's position is the same as that voiced by Spanish society two decades ago: NO TO WAR. No to the unilateral violation of international law. No to repeating the mistakes of the past. No to the idea that the world's problems can be solved with bombs.”

— Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of Spain

“Our Patriot batteries and their armaments are used to protect Polish airspace and NATO's eastern flank. Nothing is changing in this regard, and we have no plans to move them anywhere!”

— Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Polish Defence Minister

What’s next

The US administration is expected to continue pressing its European allies to provide more support for the Iran War, but the growing resistance from key partners suggests that the conflict could further strain transatlantic relations.

The takeaway

The unwillingness of Spain, Italy, and Poland to support the US's military operations in Iran highlights the broader challenges the Trump administration faces in maintaining international backing for the conflict. As the US struggles to sustain the war effort, the rift with its European allies could have significant implications for the future of NATO and the US's global leadership role.