Trump touts attack on Iranian munitions depot as drawdown talks continue

More key European allies are restricting U.S. military access as the Trump administration presses ahead with its war against Iran, with both France and Italy moving to block U.S.-linked aircraft from using their airspace or bases.

Italy denied permission for U.S. military aircraft to land at the Sigonella Air Base in Sicily before heading to the Middle East, Reuters reported Tuesday, saying Washington had not sought prior authorization from Rome. 

France has also refused overflight for planes carrying U.S. military supplies to Israel, according to President Donald Trump, marking a rare disruption to routine military coordination between Washington and key European allies.

Their refusals carry operational weight because U.S. bases in Europe — including those in Italy — are “essential” for supporting Middle East operations, acting as critical staging and transit hubs for military aircraft. 

The move marks the latest sign of growing friction between the United States and European allies as President Donald Trump ramps up pressure on NATO partners to support operations tied to the war with Iran.

John Hemmings, director of the National Security Centre at the Henry Jackson Society, a London-based foreign policy think tank, told Fox News Digital the decision reflects deeper tensions.

“The news that Italy has blocked U.S. overflight and base use for aircraft taking part in the conflict in Iran is the visible sign of a transatlantic crisis bubbling over,” Hemmings said. “U.S. political and military authority is at rock bottom in Europe. Italy’s defection is a worrying indicator since Italy currently has a right-leaning populist government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a known ‘Trump Whisperer,’ the only European leader to attend Trump’s inauguration.”

An Italian government statement pushed back on reports of a rupture, saying: “With reference to media reports regarding the use of military bases, the government reiterates that Italy acts in full compliance with existing international agreements and with the policy guidelines set out by the government to parliament.” 

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News’ Efrat Lachter.