Italy denied US warplanes permission to refuel at Sicily's Sigonella air base in recent days, while Trump lashed out at France for blocking aircraft carrying weapons bound for Israel from flying over its territory. The incidents, reported by the Financial Times, have caused consternation within NATO, with alliance officials warning the moves risk undermining efforts to reach a compromise over a postwar naval operation to safeguard transit through the Strait of Hormuz. The Italian and French actions are the latest sign of growing transatlantic fissures over the US-Israel campaign against Iran. Spain has also publicly refused to allow US use of its bases in Rota and Morón for the conflict, extending its prohibition to a ban on airspace use by aircraft involved in attacks on Iran.

Analysts describe the situation as a delicate balance for Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, caught between avoiding Trump's wrath and strong public opposition to the war. Trump warned that relations with NATO allies would be 're-examined' after the conflict, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized Spain's stance as undermining the alliance. The White House is reportedly smarting from Europe's rejection of its initial demand to send ships for the operation.