Amid the war against Iran launched on February 28, countries including France, Spain, Austria, Switzerland and Italy are restricting access to their territory for US military aircraft. Donald Trump voiced anger at these Nato allies on Truth Social. Emmanuel Macron confirmed France's non-participation stance.
Donald Trump expressed irritation on Truth Social over several Nato allies refusing overflights by US aircraft involved in the war against Iran, launched on February 28. He wrote: «La France n’a pas laissé des avions à destination d’Israël, chargés d’équipement militaire, survoler le territoire français. La France a été TRES PEU COOPÉRATIVE en ce qui concerne le “boucher iranien” qui a été éliminé avec succès».
Emmanuel Macron, from Japan, clarified that France, neither consulted nor participating in the US-Israeli offensive, upholds its rules: combat aircraft carrying military equipment are banned, but refuelers and logistics are allowed at Istres.
Spain closed its airspace on March 30 to involved aircraft, per Defense Minister Margarita Robles to AFP. US bases cannot be used, except in emergencies. Austria rejected all requests from the start to uphold neutrality, a Defense Ministry spokesperson told AFP on April 2.
Switzerland rejected two reconnaissance flights on March 15, citing its neutrality rights. Italy barred a landing at the Sigonella base in Sicily last week, as combat missions require parliamentary approval.
