US President Donald Trump criticized France for refusing overflights to military planes bound for Israel during operations against Iran, warning the US would remember the lack of support. France reaffirmed its neutral stance, while Israel responded by halting new defense procurements from Paris.
US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social on March 31, 2026, accusing France of blocking overflights of its airspace by US military planes carrying supplies to Israel. "The Country of France wouldn’t let planes headed to Israel, loaded up with military supplies, fly over French territory," Trump wrote, adding that France has been "VERY UNHELPFUL with respect to the ‘Butcher of Iran,’ who has been successfully eliminated! The U.S.A. will REMEMBER!!!"
The Élysée Palace expressed surprise at the rebuke, confirming the decision aligns with France's unchanged position since the conflict began. French President Emmanuel Macron has stated France is "not party to the conflict" and ruled out participation in efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Although France had previously authorized US refueling aircraft to land at the Istres base in early March if not involved in Iranian operations, it denied access for these flights. Paris had not officially announced a no-overflight policy, unlike Spain, which restricted US military flights and closed airspace to planes involved in the conflict on March 30. Italy also denied US bombers use of a Sicilian air base.
In response, Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz and Defense Ministry Director-General Amir Baram ordered a halt to all new security procurements from France, while honoring existing contracts. Officials plan to prioritize domestic production and 'friendly suppliers.' An Israeli official reported to the Jerusalem Post on ongoing US and Israeli operations targeting Iran.
This diplomatic spat unfolds amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, including recent strikes on Iranian military sites.
