Austria has denied U.S. military aircraft permission to use its airspace in connection with the war on Iran, marking the latest instance of a European government refusing direct involvement in the expanding U.S.-Israeli military campaign.
Officials from Austria’s Defense Ministry confirmed that requests from the United States were rejected under the country’s longstanding neutrality policy. Michael Bauer, spokesperson for the ministry, said: “There have indeed been requests and they were refused from the outset.” Bauer added that when such a request “involves a country at war, it is refused.” He also questioned why the request had been made, stating: “The question is—why submit a request to a neutral state in the first place?”
Austria has maintained a position of permanent neutrality since 1955, when the country adopted a constitutional commitment not to join military alliances or permit foreign military bases on its territory. The neutrality pledge was part of an effort to secure the withdrawal of occupying forces following World War II, and it continues to shape the country’s approach to foreign military cooperation.
Under Austrian law, foreign military flights must apply for authorization before entering the country’s airspace and must disclose the purpose of the mission. Requests tied to active conflicts are denied, while routine transit or training operations may be approved individually.
Austrian political leaders have also publicly opposed the war. Vice Chancellor Andi Babler criticized the military campaign in a statement, writing that Austrians “want nothing to do with Trump’s policy of chaos and his war, which will bring us the next energy crisis.” Babler added: “No to war.” Sven Hergovich, leader of the Social Democrats in Lower Austria, warned that the conflict “harms Austrian economic interests, Europe as a whole and world peace.”
Austria’s refusal comes as several European governments have taken steps to limit cooperation with Washington in connection with the war. Spain has opposed the conflict since its early stages, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declaring “no a la guerra,” or “no to war,” following the initial bombardments.
Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles confirmed that Spain would not allow its territory or infrastructure to be used in support of military operations tied to the conflict. “We don’t authorize either the use of military bases or the use of airspace for actions related to the war in Iran,” Robles said. She also described the war as “profoundly illegal and profoundly unjust.”
Spain has also withdrawn its ambassador to Israel and has been among the most outspoken European governments criticizing Israel’s genocide in Gaza, placing its opposition to the Iran war within a broader critique of regional military actions.
Switzerland has also invoked neutrality principles to restrict involvement in the conflict. In March, Swiss officials halted weapons export licenses to the United States and other countries participating in the war following the first U.S.-Israeli bombardments on Feb. 28. Switzerland said the suspension would remain in place “for the duration of the conflict.”
Italy has reportedly imposed procedural restrictions on U.S. military flights connected to the conflict as well. Reports indicated that U.S. aircraft were denied permission to land at the Sigonella air base in Sicily while en route to the Middle East. Italy’s defense minister Guido Crosetto disputed the characterization of the decision as a refusal, stating that the United States must obtain special authorization before using Italian bases for missions related to the war.
Criticism has also emerged from senior officials in Germany. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier issued a rare rebuke of both the Trump administration and Israel, stating that the war “violates international law” and warning that the conflict could cause lasting damage to relations between the United States and Europe. Germany’s chancellor Friedrich Merz has also criticized the war.
European coordination efforts responding to regional instability have reportedly taken place without U.S. participation. The United Kingdom said that approximately 40 countries convened to develop a joint approach to Iran’s retaliatory closure of the Strait of Hormuz. According to reports, the meeting included France, Germany, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, and India, but did not include the United States.
The exclusion comes amid increasing tensions between Washington and allied governments reluctant to become directly involved in the war. President Donald Trump has criticized countries that declined to provide military support. Trump said that France had been “VERY UNHELPFUL” and urged allied countries to take control of the Strait of Hormuz, telling them to “just TAKE IT.”
Trump also warned that the United States could reconsider its support for allies unwilling to participate militarily. “You’ll have to start learning how to fight for yourself, the U.S.A. won’t be there to help you anymore, just like you weren’t there for us,” he said. He added: “Go get your own oil!”
Trump also threatened to withdraw from the NATO alliance, describing it as a “paper tiger,” although White House insiders told Politico the threat was not expected to be carried out.
European governments limiting cooperation with Washington have cited legal obligations, neutrality policies, and concerns about economic and geopolitical consequences. Austria’s neutrality law prohibits participation in military alliances or support for foreign military operations tied to active conflicts. Spain’s government has described the war as unlawful, while Switzerland has halted arms transfers connected to the conflict.
Austria’s decision to deny U.S. military access to its airspace highlights how neutrality policies can directly affect military logistics during wartime. Restrictions on transit routes, landing permissions, and military cooperation can complicate operational planning even when diplomatic relations remain intact.
As divisions deepen between Washington and its allies, several European governments are demonstrating reluctance to provide material support for the conflict, reflecting widening disagreement over both the legality of the war and the potential consequences of deeper involvement.
“We don’t authorize either the use of military bases or the use of airspace for actions related to the war in Iran.”
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