US President Donald Trump has launched a fresh, blistering attack against the United Kingdom and France, warning that "the US will no longer be there to help you." He expressed intense dissatisfaction over the allies' refusal to participate in the military operation against Iran. Speaking via the Truth Social platform, Trump directly accused France of obstructing military missions: "France did not allow aircraft bound for Israel, loaded with military equipment, to pass through its airspace," he stated. In a particularly aggressive tone, he added: "France was VERY UNHELPFUL regarding the 'Butcher of Iran,' who was successfully neutralized! The US will REMEMBER!!!" In a separate post, Trump turned his fire toward the United Kingdom: "All these countries that cannot get jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz, like the UK, which refused to join the 'decapitation' operation against Iran, I have a suggestion: First, buy from the US – we have plenty – and second, find the courage you lack, go to the Strait and just seize it." He continued with even sharper rhetoric: "You will have to learn to fight for yourselves. The US will no longer be there to help you, just as you weren't there for us. Iran has essentially been crushed. The hard part is over. Go get your own oil!"
Intense dissatisfaction
Trump's stance reflects his profound resentment toward European allies who refused to get involved in the US and Israeli military strike against Iran, citing serious reservations about the risk of such engagement—especially regarding the effort to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This strategic maritime passage has remained almost completely closed by Iran since the war began in late February, effectively cutting off the transport of oil and gas from the Gulf. Meanwhile, several tankers that attempted to cross have come under attack.
NATO dissolving
Trump also leveled heavy criticism at NATO, characterizing its hesitance to support the US against Iran as a "very big mistake." "I always wondered if NATO would be there for us. This was a big test. We don't need them, but they should have been there," he declared from the Oval Office. Despite the fact that the US is currently operating alongside Israel, Trump appears to oscillate between a conciliatory and an escalating stance, leaving open the possibility of a deal with Tehran while simultaneously threatening to intensify attacks. On Monday, March 30, 2026, he warned that the US might expand strikes to include Iran's civilian energy infrastructure, such as water desalination plants, if Tehran does not proceed with opening the Strait of Hormuz. For its part, Iran continues to demonstrate its ability to control and disrupt navigation in the Strait, striking even tankers, as occurred with a Kuwaiti vessel near the port of Dubai earlier the same day.
US military dependence
It is worth noting here that the increasing refusal of European states to actively support US operations is creating serious operational problems, as Washington relies heavily on European bases and air corridors for the transport of forces and equipment to the Middle East. The result is an unprecedented rift in the Western alliance, with Trump escalating his rhetoric and accusing allies of a lack of support in a critical geopolitical conflict.
The Italian "exception"
Despite this, it was striking that Trump exempted Italy from his criticism, even though its authorities forbade a US aircraft bound for the Middle East from landing at a military base in Sicily. Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto denied the US request to use the Sigonella base, which was submitted while the aircraft were already in the air, according to state broadcaster RAI. "No one had requested permission or consulted the Italian military leadership," RAI reported. "The plan was communicated while the aircraft were already in flight, and checks revealed that these were not normal or logistical flights and are therefore not covered by the treaty with Italy," the broadcaster added. A spokesperson for the Italian Ministry of Defense confirmed the reports to CNN but declined further comment. It is noted that yesterday, Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles announced that Spain would not allow the use of its military bases or airspace for any activity related to the US-Israeli attack against Iran, describing it as "profoundly illegal."
No more need for Ukraine
It is recalled here that this is not the first time President Trump has criticized his European partners for their reluctance to participate in the planned American operation in the Strait of Hormuz. He even stated that Washington does not need to cooperate with the EU on Ukraine. "We protect them. We cooperate with them in Ukraine. Ukraine is thousands of miles away, separated by a vast ocean. We shouldn't be doing this, but we did," Trump said, noting that former US President Biden was wrong to help Kyiv. "I have to be honest with you. Biden was cheated. But we worked with them on Ukraine. We no longer need to work with them," Trump emphasized. Trump had previously called on China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and other countries to send ships to the Strait of Hormuz to restore navigation. EU countries have already rejected his request. Russia believes that weapon supplies to Ukraine hinder the resolution of the issue, directly involve NATO countries in the conflict, and constitute "playing with fire."
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