Photo: Sigonella Air Base
Against the backdrop of armed clashes in the Middle East, alliance relations between Europe and the United States are being tested. Zamin.uz presents the details of this political cooling.
Unexpected division in the Western world: Italy, Spain, and France have begun to obstruct American aircraft participating in military operations in the Middle East.
The flame of war in the Middle East is damaging not only the region but also relations among transatlantic allies. According to reports from the respected publications Corriere della Sera and Reuters, last week the Italian government did not allow several American bombers to land at the Sigonella Air Base in Sicily.
Italy’s firm position: “Rules are equal for everyone”
It has been reported that the US military aircraft headed to the Middle East intended to land at Sigonella base without prior permission from the Italian leadership. By the prompt decision of Italy’s Chief of Staff Luciano Portolano and Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, the aircraft were prohibited from landing.
In a statement on social media, Guido Crosetto emphasized that there is no cooling of relations with the US, but it is necessary to follow the rules for using bases that have been in effect since 1954. However, experts interpret this incident as a sign that Europe fears being drawn into a regional war.
France and Spain also said “no”
Not only Italy, but other European states are showing “passive resistance” toward Washington. Donald Trump sharply criticized France for not allowing aircraft carrying military cargo intended for Israel to pass through its airspace. He even called France an “unreliable partner” and stressed that the US would remember this.
Additionally, the publication El Pais reports that Spain also closed its airspace to American and Israeli aircraft conducting operations against Iran. Madrid stated that landing would only be allowed in exceptional cases. In response, Trump threatened to cut trade ties with Spain.
Trump’s criticism and Europe’s concern
Over the past month, Trump has accused European leaders and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of not providing sufficient assistance in the war against Iran. Europe, in turn, points out that Trump’s military actions are leading to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and a sharp increase in energy prices.
Dear readers, in your opinion, how will the position of European states affect the US strategy in the Middle East? Could this rift among allies lead to a larger crisis?
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