NATO cracks widen as Europe resists Trump’s Iran war demands

By Sernur Yassıkaya / Yeni Şafak Foreign News Manager

Transatlantic relations are facing a historic rupture as European NATO members increasingly distance themselves from Washington’s military campaign against Iran. President Donald Trump has grown frustrated by the lack of support from European capitals, publicly threatening to pull the United States out of the alliance. In an interview with The Telegraph, Trump said: “I was never swayed by NATO. I always knew they were a paper tiger.” He added that leaving the alliance was now “beyond reconsideration.” Speaking to Reuters, Trump went further, saying he “detests” NATO.

Europe pushes back on military requests

France has consistently refused to allow its bases or airspace to be used for US-Israeli operations against Iran. President Emmanuel Macron has stated bluntly: “It is not our operation.” Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has emerged as a leading European voice against the war, calling US and Israeli actions “contrary to international law.” Italy has denied access to its bases, while Poland rejected a US request to send air defense systems to the Middle East, citing national security priorities. Even the UK, traditionally Washington’s closest ally, is reportedly limiting intelligence sharing and access to sensitive military meetings.

Crisis of confidence and Türkiye’s position

The growing divide reflects deeper structural issues. European capitals are uneasy about the ambiguity of US war aims and the lack of allied consultation before strikes began on February 28. Many leaders echo the sentiment that this is “not our war”—a phrase Trump officials themselves used regarding Ukraine just months ago. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has described NATO as a “one-way street,” criticizing European reluctance to grant overflight permissions. For Türkiye, a NATO member with the alliance’s second-largest military, these cracks present both risks and opportunities. Ankara has maintained balanced ties with both Washington and regional powers while consistently calling for diplomacy. As the transatlantic bond weakens, Türkiye’s role as a strategic bridge between East and West could become more critical than ever.