A report by The Wall Street Journal reveals a dual European posture toward the ongoing US led war on Iran. While European governments publicly criticise the American Israeli military campaign, they are simultaneously providing covert logistical support that enables these operations to proceed.
Behind official statements of opposition, several European countries have opened their military bases to US forces, allowing aircraft to refuel, rearm, and launch strikes against targets inside Iran. This hidden cooperation highlights a significant gap between public rhetoric and operational reality.
Covert Military Support Across Europe
According to officials cited in the report, recent weeks have seen US bombers, drones, and naval forces supplied with fuel and weapons before launching from bases in:
- The United Kingdom
- Germany
- Portugal
- Italy
- France
- Greece
Drone operations targeting Iran are reportedly being coordinated from the US Ramstein Air Base in Germany, which serves as a central hub for American operations in the region.
Images have also captured B 1 strategic bombers being armed and fuelled at the Royal Air Force base in Fairford, underscoring the active logistical role of European facilities.
Meanwhile, the US aircraft carrier USS Gerald R Ford, the largest in the world, is currently stationed at a naval base in Crete for repairs following fire related damage.
NATO Backing and Strategic Infrastructure
During testimony before the US Senate, NATO’s top military commander, General Alexus Grynkewich, stated that most European allies have been “very supportive” of the operations.
This support is enabled by a vast American military presence across Europe, consisting of around 40 bases hosting approximately 80,000 US troops. These installations serve as launch platforms for operations in both the Middle East and Africa.
The general highlighted the strategic advantages of this network, noting that shorter distances, lower costs, and extensive allied infrastructure make Europe an ideal staging ground for projecting US military power.
Political Tensions and Public Positioning
Despite this operational support, European leaders have sought to avoid appearing directly involved in the war, which has driven up energy costs and remains unpopular among voters.
At the same time, these governments are cautious not to alienate the United States, a cornerstone of their security architecture.
The report notes that political disagreements have not translated into operational restrictions on the ground. The primary exception is Spain, which refused to allow US forces to use its bases for attacks on Iran, forcing the relocation of some aircraft to Germany and France.
Shifting Positions Among Key States
The United Kingdom initially restricted US use of its airbases during early strikes on Tehran. However, Prime Minister Keir Starmer later permitted “defensive” missions targeting Iranian missile launch platforms from RAF Fairford and the Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean.
Germany has consistently denied direct participation in military action, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Defence Minister Boris Pistorius insisting: “This is not our war.” Nevertheless, Germany hosts critical infrastructure that facilitates US operations, particularly the Ramstein Air Base.
The Backbone of US Military Reach
Ramstein serves as a command, communications, and data transfer hub, especially for drone operations and long range strike coordination. It also functions as a continuous air bridge between the United States, Europe, and the Gulf region.
Transport aircraft such as the C 17 and C 130 move personnel, weapons, and equipment through this network, while nearby facilities include the largest US military hospital outside American territory.
Other installations in Germany, including Spangdahlem Air Base and the Stuttgart command headquarters, provide additional support for troop deployment and strategic planning.
European Bases as Force Multipliers
Across the continent, European bases offer critical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. Aircraft can refuel and rearm locally, avoiding long return flights to the United States.
Analysts note that this infrastructure enables rapid threat detection, supports deterrence against rivals such as Russia, and enhances the ability to deploy forces globally.
Despite reductions in European military strength since the end of the Cold War, the continent remains a reliable operational partner for the United States.
Legal Frameworks and Logistical Cover
Decades old bilateral agreements allow the US to store weapons, deploy technology, and station personnel across European bases, largely without direct operational control from host governments.
German officials acknowledged that the US has been able to use Ramstein and other bases under longstanding legal arrangements, limiting Berlin’s influence over American operations.
Many European governments have framed their involvement as purely logistical. For example:
- Italy’s Aviano Air Base hosts refuelling aircraft supporting long range missions
- France has allowed US refuelling planes at Istres Le Tubé Air Base
- Romania has approved hosting US logistical and intelligence assets
- Portugal’s Lajes Air Base in the Azores has handled numerous US refuelling aircraft
French officials emphasised that refuelling aircraft are “fuel stations, not combat aircraft,” attempting to distance their role from direct military engagement.
Intelligence Operations and Strategic Reach
In Greece, Souda Bay in Crete functions as both a deep water naval port and a secure communications hub capable of launching advanced US surveillance aircraft such as the Rivet Joint.
Open source data suggests these aircraft have been conducting electronic intelligence gathering missions over Iran.
Strategic Dependence on Europe
Defence expert Bence Nemeth of King’s College London noted that Europe remains a cornerstone of US global power projection. Any attempt to sever these ties would impose significant costs on Washington in terms of time, resources, and operational capability.
The report ultimately highlights a critical reality: while Europe publicly distances itself from the war on Iran, its infrastructure and cooperation remain indispensable to sustaining US military operations.
