Gambiaj.com – (PARIS, France) – France has expressed surprise at comments made by President Donald Trump accusing Paris of being “very unhelpful” by refusing to allow U.S. aircraft transporting military supplies to Israel to fly over French territory.
In a statement released Tuesday, the office of Emmanuel Macron said France had not altered its policy since the beginning of the conflict involving Israel and Iran and reaffirmed that aircraft carrying military equipment destined for Israel are not permitted to cross French airspace.
“We are surprised by this tweet,” the Élysée Palace said, referring to Trump’s post on the Truth Social platform in which he singled out France for allegedly obstructing U.S. military logistics. “France has not changed its position since day one of the conflict, and we confirm this decision.”
Trump had earlier written that France had been “very unhelpful” regarding the matter and warned that the United States would remember the stance taken by Paris.
France Reaffirms Longstanding Position
According to the French presidency, the refusal to allow overflights by aircraft transporting military supplies to Israel is consistent with the position adopted at the start of the hostilities involving Israel and Iran.
Unlike Spain, France has not formally announced a comprehensive closure of its airspace to U.S. aircraft linked to operations against Iran. However, French authorities maintain that flights directly transporting military equipment destined for the conflict are not permitted to transit French territory.
The French military previously indicated that certain U.S. support aircraft had been allowed to use a base in southern France earlier in March. Officials said at the time that they had received “full guarantees” that those aircraft were not involved in operations targeting Iran.
On March 5, the French armed forces further clarified that American aircraft participating in attacks on Iran would not be authorised to use French bases. Nevertheless, temporary access could be granted if the flights were linked to defensive support for French allies in the region.
Spain Takes Tougher Measures
Meanwhile, Spain has adopted a stricter approach. Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles announced that Madrid had closed its airspace to U.S. planes involved in strikes against Iran.
“We don’t authorize either the use of military bases or the use of airspace for actions related to the war in Iran,” Robles told reporters in Madrid on Monday.
Spain’s decision goes further than its earlier refusal to allow U.S. forces to use jointly operated military bases for operations connected to the conflict.
The differing responses among European allies highlight growing sensitivities within NATO partners as tensions escalate around the Israel–Iran confrontation and the extent of Western military support in the region.
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