Staff Reports
America is doing the hard work to stop Iran from getting nuclear weapons. Yet several NATO allies have sat on the sidelines, called the mission “illegal” or “not our war,” and refused to help in any meaningful way. If you think allies should have your back when the house is on fire, think again.
Allies Standing Down While U.S. Leads Epic Fury
Spain, Italy, and France have made it clear they won’t lend the boots, bases, or clear airspace America needs for Operation Epic Fury. Spain closed its embassy in Israel while keeping ties with Iran and barred U.S. combat and refueling missions from Spanish bases. Italy’s leaders called the operation “outside the scope of international law” and blocked offensive use of Italian bases. France initially talked about “proportionate defensive action,” then shut doors on U.S. military transport through its airspace. Meanwhile the United Kingdom called it “not our war” until a direct attack on a British base forced a narrow change of heart. It’s a masterclass in NIMBY diplomacy: “Not our fight — until it hits our front yard.”
Defense Spending and Freeloading
The math is brutal and embarrassing. The United States spends about 3.22 percent of GDP on defense and pays roughly two-thirds of NATO’s total bills. By some measures, U.S. defense outlays are nearly 13 times those of France, about 25 times Italy’s, and more than 45 times Spain’s. Per capita, America is second only to Norway. So when it comes time to confront a nuclear threat, the heavy lifting falls on U.S. shoulders — while chronic under-spenders shrug. If you borrow someone’s car for two decades and then complain when they ask for gas money, that’s called freeloading. It’s not noble, and it’s not sustainable.
The Price of Doing the Right Thing Alone
There’s a simple truth: if America keeps defending the world while partners duck, that partnership means less every year. The writers of history have long praised U.S. sacrifices in two world wars. Those deeds didn’t come free, and history didn’t owe us a discount. Today’s allies should remember that backing. If they won’t lift their weight now — in word and in logistics — Washington needs to rethink how it shares risk, resources, and responsibility. That may mean tougher diplomacy, clearer conditions for access to U.S. support, and real consequences for repeated refusal to help.
Conclusion: Stop the Excuses, Start Paying
We should lead when necessary and act when threats are real. But leadership isn’t a blank check for chronic freeloaders. Spain, Italy, and France can keep their moral high ground if they like it — but it will be very quiet, and very expensive, when the U.S. starts billing. The allies who talk about values should show them with planes, bases, and budgets, not just speeches. Otherwise, America should prepare to protect its interests without polite excuses from friends who treat our security as optional.
