Latest Developments

Trump Condemns France for Preventing Military Flights to Israel: U.S. President Donald Trump said on March 31 that France “has been VERY UNHELPFUL” regarding military operations in Iran, stating that Paris “wouldn’t let planes headed to Israel, loaded up with military supplies, fly over French territory.” Separately, Trump urged the United Kingdom — which he asserted had “refused to get involved in the decapitation of Iran” — to “go get your own oil!” from the Strait of Hormuz.
Spain Bans U.S. Military Aircraft From Airspace: A day earlier, Spain closed its airspace to American aircraft involved in military operations against Iran. Defense Minister Margarita Robles stated, “We will not authorize the use of Morón and Rota [bases] for any acts related to the war in Iran,” while Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez confirmed last week that “all flight plans that involved actions related to the operation in Iran were rejected.”
American Planes Prevented From Landing at Sicily Air Base: After reports emerged that Italy had refused U.S. military aircraft use of Sicily’s Sigonella air base, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto denied that the incident signaled a blanket ban, calling the reports “simply false.” A note from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s office clarified that “each [request to use military bases] is carefully examined on a case-by-case basis” and that “relations with the United States … are solid.”

FDD Expert Response

“Europe is right to want American support against Putin. At FDD, we agree. But it’s a strategic mistake to undermine U.S. efforts against Iran — a regime that sponsors terrorism on European soil, arms Russia against Ukraine, targets EU capitals, and threatens Europe’s energy security.” — Mark Dubowitz, CEO

“Anyone who is upset about paying higher energy prices in Europe should complain to their leaders for trying to help the rump regime in Tehran hold their supply hostage.” — Richard Goldberg, Senior Advisor