European nations curb US military operations over mounting Iran war concerns

France and Italy have pushed back against some US-Israeli military operations, sources said on Tuesday, as US President Donald Trump criticised Nato allies in Europe as unhelpful in the month-long war in Iran, highlighting divisions.

The decisions came against a backdrop of tensions between Washington and key partners over the war. Earlier this month, Trump called longtime Nato allies “cowards” over their lack of support. On Tuesday, he slammed countries that did not help in the US-Israeli strikes.

Meanwhile, Spain defended its decision to fully close its airspace to US planes involved in attacks on Iran.

Trump also singled out Britain as being unhelpful, just as Buckingham Palace confirmed King Charles and Queen Camilla will pay a state visit to the US in late April. –Agencies