The ongoing war against Iran has triggered a major diplomatic break between the United States and its traditional European allies. President Donald Trump has launched a blistering public attack on European governments, particularly the United Kingdom and France, for refusing to take part in the conflict. The growing rift exposes a rapidly widening transatlantic divide, with European leaders pushing back against what they see as unilateral American military action and Trump showing increasing frustration at their reluctance to share the political, military, and economic consequences of the war.
At the centre of Trump’s anger is the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical trade routes for oil and gas. Iran effectively blockaded the strait in response to the war, triggering a global energy shock and pushing crude oil prices to record highs. In a series of public remarks, Trump told European governments to “go get your own oil” and reopen the strait themselves. Claiming that the United States and Israel have already “decimated” Iran, he has insisted that the hardest part of the conflict is over and that the American military will not take responsibility for securing the waterway. Instead, he has suggested that countries facing fuel shortages should either buy oil directly from the United States or send their own naval forces to clear the strait. In particular, he singled out the British Navy, questioning why it was not taking a more active role.
Trump’s top advisers have reinforced this message. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth have both warned European governments that the United States cannot be expected to defend allies that refuse to support American military operations or deny Washington access to bases and airspace. The language has raised serious concerns in European capitals, where officials fear that the conflict could permanently damage NATO and undermine decades of strategic cooperation between the United States and Europe.
Despite these warnings, America’s closest European allies are showing increasing resistance and refusing to give Washington what many officials privately describe as a “blank cheque”. The resistance stems from several factors. European governments are unhappy that they were not taken into confidence before the US launched the war. Moreover, they say they are unclear about American war objectives and they are increasingly concerned about the legal implications of what they think is an illegal war. Spain has been one of the most vocal critics, signalling that it does not support a war it believes risks destabilising the entire Middle East. Other European countries have taken a more cautious but equally firm position, placing restrictions on how the United States can use their bases and airspace.
France has taken a tougher stance than Washington expected. The French government has refused to allow its territory to be used for military operations linked directly to the war, a decision that has infuriated Trump. Italy, another key NATO ally, has cited procedural and legal concerns against providing American forces access to certain military facilities. Even the UK, Washington’s closest ally in Europe, is increasingly wary about American actions and intent. While Britain has allowed the United States to use its bases for defensive operations, it has stopped short of offering full political or military backing for the war. Eastern European allies are equally reluctant to weaken their own security at a time when Russia remains their primary concern. Poland is unwilling to redeploy air defence systems to the Middle East, telling Washington that its priority is the threat from Moscow.
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As the war rages on, the widening gap between the United States and its European allies is emerging as one of its most significant geopolitical consequences. If the situation worsens further, the Iran war may not only reshape the balance of power in the Middle East but also redefine the future of the transatlantic relationship.
