(NEW YORK) – For many years, and particularly since Donald Trump returned to the White House, relations between the United States and Europe have been marked by tension. Trump has repeatedly criticised European countries, arguing they rely too heavily on American security guarantees while failing to invest adequately in their own defence.
Last year the US administration pushed NATO members to increase defence spending to five per cent of national economic output by 2035. Trump also warned that the United States might reconsider its commitment to the alliance’s collective defence clause if countries failed to meet the targets.
Beyond defence spending, Washington has also clashed with Europe on trade policy and security issues. The administration launched tariffs against the European Union, threatened to annex Greenland and reduced American support for Ukraine while pressing Kyiv towards negotiations with Moscow.
Despite this confrontational approach, the United States now finds itself relying on Europe as it conducts an open ended military campaign against Iran. Access to European military bases, defence infrastructure and technical expertise has become central to American operations.
The United States maintains tens of thousands of troops across Europe, a legacy of the Cold War. These forces operate from roughly fifty bases, many located in Germany, Italy and Poland. These facilities provide key logistical and operational support for American military activity beyond Europe.
Historically the United States has depended on these bases for operations in the Middle East. After the September 11 attacks, European facilities were used to transport troops, aircraft and supplies to conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Important hubs included Ramstein Air Base and Naval Air Station Sigonella, which supported airlift missions, aerial refuelling and intelligence operations.
European bases also played a role during instability in Libya after the fall of Muammar Gaddafi. In 2012 the US consulate in Benghazi was attacked, killing four Americans including the ambassador. Following the incident, a Marine rapid response unit was stationed in Spain at a base that had been heavily used during the Gulf War.
More recently the United States again relied on European facilities during the escalation of tensions between Israel and Iran last year. These bases helped stage aircraft refuelling and allowed fighter and transport aircraft to move towards the Middle East.
At the beginning of the current US campaign against Iran, Washington requested permission from several European governments to use bases on their territory for strategic operations. However, some leaders hesitated because of concerns over the legality of the American strikes.
Italy indicated that any request would be carefully examined. France allowed a temporary presence of US aircraft at certain facilities but reportedly insisted they would not be used to launch attacks on Iran.
Spain took a firmer position. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez refused permission for American forces to use bases at Rota and Morón to strike Iran. He described the US action as an unjustified and dangerous military intervention.
Following the decision, the United States withdrew 15 military aircraft from the Spanish base. Trump criticised the Spanish government, describing it as unfriendly and threatening to halt trade with Spain, the fourth largest economy in the European Union.
The US president also criticised British Prime Minister Keir Starmer after London initially declined to allow American forces to use British territory, including Diego Garcia, for offensive strikes on Iran because of legal concerns.
Trump argued the decision forced US aircraft to fly several additional hours and mocked the British leader by saying he was not Winston Churchill.
The British government later adjusted its position, allowing American forces to use bases for defensive operations and placing one of its aircraft carriers on high readiness. Trump responded by saying the carrier was no longer required and that the United States did not need partners joining a conflict after it had already been won.
Over the weekend and on Monday, American B-52 Stratofortress bombers landed at a British base in Gloucestershire.
European infrastructure is not the only support the United States may require. American officials have warned that US forces could struggle to intercept the full volume of drones and ballistic missiles launched by Iran in the Gulf region.
During a closed door briefing, senior military officials told lawmakers that interceptor stocks were being depleted faster than expected.
Trump previously stated the United States had an extensive supply of munitions but acknowledged that stockpiles were not yet at desired levels.
During last year’s fighting with Iran, reports indicated the United States used around a quarter of its Terminal High Altitude Area Defense interceptor inventory. Heavy use of these systems forced Washington to pause some transfers of weapons to Ukraine.
As a result the United States has begun exploring support from allies. One possible partner is Ukraine.
After Russia’s invasion, Ukrainian forces often used expensive missile interceptors to shoot down Russian drones and missiles. A single MIM-104 Patriot interceptor can cost about $13.5 million.
Over time Ukraine developed cheaper methods. These include heavy machine guns, rockets fired from F-16 Fighting Falcon, electronic jamming systems and domestically produced interceptor drones.
Ukraine now destroys a large share of Russian drones using these methods. Washington has expressed interest in learning from this experience.
According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the United States and several Gulf countries are exploring agreements to purchase Ukrainian interceptor drones capable of destroying Iranian unmanned aircraft.
Recent reports indicate Ukraine has sent interceptor drones and technical specialists to help defend US bases in Jordan.
Zelenskyy said such assistance would only continue if it did not weaken Ukraine’s own defences. He also suggested Kyiv expects stronger diplomatic support from Washington in negotiations with the Kremlin.
Observers have compared the current conflict with Iran to the US invasion of Iraq in 2003. However, one major difference is that former president George W. Bush built an international coalition that included many European countries.
In contrast, the current campaign has received limited open backing from European governments.
