America’s strike against the Islamic Republic of Iran underscores the enduring reality of U.S. military might. Our nation is still an indispensable force for freedom and good, with unrivaled capabilities. But some governments in Europe seem to have forgotten this.
The result of their amnesia is that Operation Epic Fury has exposed important changes in America’s longtime alliances in Europe.
France and the United Kingdom initially denied the United States the right to use bases for the attack. Both later reversed course, but this just added vacillation to betrayal in the catalogue of their crimes, and the damage had already been done to relations with their longtime ally.
Alluding to a time when that alliance saved the free world, President Donald Trump told the press that U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer was “no Winston Churchill.” France disgracefully said that it will work with China to “de-escalate the war.” This is a poor decision. China has been the Islamic Republic’s chief booster, and the two are charter members of an alliance against the West. Moreover, the U.S. has been clear that it considers China to be its foremost foe.
Perhaps no European country has acted more dishonorably than Spain. President Pedro Sanchez and his foreign minister, Jose Manuel Albares, both of whom are members of Spain’s Socialist Workers Party, denied the U.S. permission to use jointly operated military bases for the attack. Fortunately, Portugal stepped up and offered the use of bases nearby.
Spain’s actions prompted Trump to direct Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to “cut off all dealings with Spain,” which, he said, has “acted terribly.” Spain, he said, has “wonderful people,” but “they lack great leadership.” He’s right.
Sanchez called the U.S. and Israeli operation to prevent the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism from acquiring nuclear weapons “something that’s bad for the world.”
In a press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump warned that “we’re going to cut off all trade with Spain. We don’t want anything to do with Spain.” The president should certainly make an example of Sanchez and his anti-American socialist government. America has the economic leverage to do so.
This is far from the Sanchez government’s only infraction. The Trump administration has consistently pushed for allies to take on a greater share of the defense burden. For decades, American taxpayers have paid for the lion’s share of Europe’s defense needs. This made sense during the early years of the Cold War, when the continent was devastated by two world wars and America’s chief threat was the Soviet Union. But the Cold War ended more than three decades ago, and now the U.S. must finally pivot to the Pacific.
To ensure both American security and the long-term durability of its alliances, including NATO, the U.S. has asked its partners to step up. Many, including Germany, Poland, and others, have pledged to meet their minimum NATO dues and a target of 5% of GDP by 2035. Spain has steadfastly refused. It has long been one of the alliance’s lowest contributors, spending only 1.2% of its GDP on defense. Sanchez says American demands that it spend more are “unreasonable.”
Under Sanchez, Spain is not just a “free rider” but a Trojan horse. Sanchez has opened his doors to America’s enemies. In July 2025, Spain awarded a multimillion-dollar contract to Huawei, a company controlled by the Chinese Communist Party. The U.S. and others consider Huawei a “criminal enterprise” responsible for stealing trade secrets and industrial espionage. Sanchez is giving it millions of dollars and access to classified information and wiretaps.
Despite professing “neutrality” toward Iran, the Sanchez government has reportedly authorized “dual-use” components for sale to the Islamic Republic. Sanchez also condemned the recent U.S. operation to apprehend Nicolas Maduro, the narco-terrorist and Venezuelan dictator allied to Beijing and Tehran. This is not the behavior of an ally.
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The U.S. is entering a new age that will be defined, in part, by competition with China and its allies Iran, Russia, Cuba, and North Korea. It will also be defined by new alliances and partnerships. As with the last Cold War, those who step up and do their share can enjoy the benefits of a partnership with the world’s most powerful and innovative democracy and economy. Those who try to ride free, hedge, or aid our enemies might find themselves out in the cold. It is a new era, and those who think the status quo will suffice are in for a rude awakening.
America’s partners in Europe can choose renewal and revitalization, casting aside failed national security, energy, and immigration policies. Or they can sink. But one thing is clear: America won’t be going down with them.