First Thing: Trump launches tirade against Europe for not joining Iran war

The Guardian US News
by Clea Skopeliti
April 1, 2026
3 min read

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Trump criticizes UK, France, Italy, and Spain for refusing to support U.S.-Israel military operations against Iran.

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President Trump has publicly criticized European countries, specifically the UK and France, for refusing to support the Israel-US war against Iran and blocking military operations through their airspace. France has denied Israeli planes permission to transport weapons through its territory, while Italy refused landing rights for US bombers in Sicily and Spain has closed its bases and airspace to American military use. The refusals represent a significant split in transatlantic relations as the conflict destabilizes the global economy. Trump's complaints underscore deepening friction between Washington and key European allies over military involvement in the Middle East conflict. The standoff raises questions about NATO unity and the future of US-European military coordination.

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