Since the US-Israel war against Iran began, President Donald Trump has criticized European allies for not backing the military campaign against Tehran. During a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on June 24, Trump expressed disappointment with several nations: 'I'm disappointed with Italy, Britain, Germany and France. Spain is a disaster.'
However, Rutte, who was visiting the US to ease tensions, revealed that European allies had in fact assisted the US logistically. According to Rutte, during the six-week operation named 'Epic Fury,' between 4,000 and 5,000 US aircraft took off from bases in Europe. Italy was the origin for 500 US planes, while Romania had to cut commercial flights to make way for US aerial refueling aircraft. European allies continue to support the US in protecting the Strait of Hormuz, including mine-sweeping operations.
Despite this support, many European countries declined to actively participate, citing the war's lack of legal basis, concerns over violations of the laws of war, and a preference for dialogue. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer did not join the conflict but allowed the US to use the Diego Garcia base for defensive purposes. Spain and France refused to allow the use of their air bases. Most European countries considered that 'this is not Europe's war.'
Rutte's remarks sparked a strong reaction from Iran. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei wrote on X: 'This is a clear and condemnable admission of NATO's active complicity in an illegal war of aggression against a UN member state.' Baghaei stressed that NATO and its member states must bear responsibility for all consequences and explain to the world their conduct of 'aiding aggression and mass crimes against the Iranian people.'
Italy is facing criticism after Rutte's disclosure. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had publicly refused to participate in the war. Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto asserted that Rutte had conveyed a 'completely misleading message,' stating that Italy had only authorized non-combat technical and logistical support activities under bilateral agreements from 1954. Italian opposition leaders are demanding further accountability.
Transatlantic tensions have escalated during the Iran war. Trump has threatened to leave NATO over European nations' failure to help open the Strait of Hormuz. He demanded NATO members increase defense spending to 5% of GDP. Most member states have pledged to raise spending but have not yet met the required level. Rutte's visit to the White House is seen as an attempt to ease tensions, just two weeks before the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey.
