US President Donald Trump voiced strong criticism against France on 31/3, stating on Truth Social, "France is not allowing planes filled with military supplies to fly over their territory on their way to Israel. The US will remember this." His comments came after France allegedly denied US military aircraft passage through its airspace while carrying military cargo destined for Israel.

The French President's office responded with "great surprise" to Trump's remarks. Paris affirmed its long-standing policy on allowing military transit flights "has always remained unchanged", suggesting no deviation from standard procedure.

Reuters, citing Western diplomatic sources, had previously reported France denied Israel permission to use its airspace for transporting US weapons, reportedly for a campaign targeting Iran. Sources familiar with the situation indicated this decision, made last weekend, marked the first time France prohibited US military aircraft from its airspace since the Middle East conflict began.

P-8A US patrol aircraft taking off from Sigonella base, Italy, 1/2024. Photo: US Navy

Adding to the diplomatic friction, Italy also refused a US military plane landing at Sigonella base on Sicily island last weekend. The reason cited was "no prior permission as per regulations".

Sources revealed the US made the request while the aircraft was already en route, without consulting Italian military leaders. After assessing the flight was not routine logistics and thus outside bilateral agreements, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto directly rejected the US request. An Italian Defense Ministry spokesperson confirmed the incident to CNN on 31/3, but declined to comment further.

The Italian government later issued a statement affirming that all decisions regarding military base usage comply with international agreements and are reviewed case by case. Rome also emphasized its strong relationship with Washington, stating no tensions with international partners.

This information emerged amidst growing disagreements between Washington and some European allies regarding the Middle East conflict. Spain, on 30/3, further highlighted this trend by announcing it was closing its airspace to US flights involved in attacks on Iran, having previously refused Washington permission to use shared bases for military operations.

Thanh Danh (According to Reuters, AFP, CNN)