Al Jazeera
centerDEVELOPINGIran accuses NATO of ‘complicity’ in US war: What role did EU nations play?

Full BriefGenerated 1h ago
What Happened
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte disclosed that European allies provided logistical support during the US-Israel Operation Epic Fury against Iran, as part of an effort to ease transatlantic tensions after President Donald Trump criticized Italy, the UK, Germany, France, and Spain for insufficient support. Rutte said that 4,000–5,000 US aircraft took off from European bases over six weeks—500 from Italy alone—and Romania hosted tankers, while noting allies are now pre-positioning assets near the Strait of Hormuz for demining. UK allowed use of its Diego Garcia base only for defensive maneuvers; Spain and France refused airbase access.
Key Actors
- ·Mark Rutte(NATO Secretary General)Revealed that European allies provided logistical support during Operation Epic Fury, including thousands of aircraft sorties from bases in Italy and Romania, while acknowledging isolated disappointments.
- ·Donald Trump(President of the United States)Expressed disappointment with European allies for what he described as insufficient support during the military campaign against Iran.
- ·Esmaeil Baghaei(Spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry)Accused NATO of active complicity in an unlawful war of aggression that killed over 3,400 people in Iran and called for accountability.
- ·Guido Crosetto(Italian Defence Minister)Clarified that Italy only authorized support flights, not combat operations, and accused Rutte of a misleading message; Italy acted in compliance with its constitution and treaties.
Why It Matters
The disclosure of extensive European logistical involvement in a US-Israel war on Iran, despite public European reluctance and legal concerns, intensifies diplomatic friction between the US and its NATO allies over burden-sharing and the war's legitimacy. It provides Iran with a platform to accuse NATO states of violating international law and potentially opens avenues for Iranian reprisals or legal challenges, while complicating ongoing nuclear diplomacy and security in the Strait of Hormuz.
Watch For
Future Iranian diplomatic or legal moves against NATO members for complicity; responses from European governments, especially Italy and Romania, to clarify or restrict base usage; developments in the Strait of Hormuz demining operations and potential escalations; IAEA reports assessing Iran's nuclear status in the wake of the conflict; and domestic debates in European parliaments over participation.
Generated 1h ago · Based on full articleAuto-Compiled
This page aggregates and summarizes reporting from Al Jazeera. The Conflict Pulse does not author original reporting. Read the original source for full coverage.
CONFLICT OVERVIEW
Iran
Latest verified updates on Iran’s regional confrontation, U.S.–Israeli strikes, missile retaliation, proxy networks, sanctions, and Strait of Hormuz risks.
SOURCE PERSPECTIVES
How outlets across the bias spectrum are covering this conflict.
left
Oil price falls to pre-Iran war levels as more tankers exit strait of Hormuz
The Guardian Middle EastJD Vance is the face of the beleaguered Iran deal – is he its fall guy?
The Guardian Middle EastLATEST FROM IRAN




