Above photo: NATO library.
Warsaw argues that redeploying one of its two Patriot systems would ‘significantly weaken’ its defenses.
Poland has rejected an “unofficial” US request to deploy one of its Patriot air defense systems to West Asia, Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz announced on 31 March, following reports by Polish daily Rzeczpospolita that Washington had informally approached Warsaw amid rising regional tensions.
“Our Patriot batteries and their armaments are used to protect Polish airspace and NATO’s eastern flank. Nothing is changing in this regard and we are not planning to move them anywhere!” Kosiniak-Kamysz stated.
He added, “Our allies are well aware of and understand how important our tasks are here. Poland’s security is an absolute priority.”
Rzeczpospolita reported that the US approach was informal and did not involve a formal request, adding that Washington sought to temporarily borrow one of Poland’s two Patriot batteries as part of efforts to defend US-linked assets across West Asia from Iranian strikes.
Nasze baterie Patriot i ich uzbrojenie służą do ochrony polskiego nieba i wschodniej flanki NATO. Nic w tej kwestii się nie zmienia i nigdzie nie planujemy ich przemieszczać! Nasi sojusznicy dobrze wiedzą i rozumieją jak ważne mamy tu zadania. Bezpieczeństwo Polski jest…
— Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz (@KosiniakKamysz) March 31, 2026
Translation: Our Patriot batteries and their armament are used to protect Polish skies and NATO’s eastern flank. Nothing is changing in this regard, and we are not planning to relocate them anywhere! Our allies know full well and understand how important the tasks we have here are. Poland’s security is an absolute priority.
Polish officials have repeatedly argued that such a move would significantly weaken national defenses, effectively slashing their air defense capabilities in half.
“Polish patriots defend the Polish sky,” officials have previously said, underscoring longstanding resistance to redeployment.
A senior NATO defense official, speaking anonymously, said Poland was not singled out. “This was a question that was sent to all allies,” they said, adding there was “no special pressure on Poland.”
The US is reportedly seeking additional air defense systems both for Ukraine and West Asia as Iran’s missile attacks on US-like positions leave their defenses stretched thin.
Patriot systems are already deployed across Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, and other areas, while the US and its allies have expended large numbers of interceptors during the conflict. One report noted that over 1,200 Patriot missiles were used in just over two weeks of fighting.
Even Poland’s opposition has pushed back, with former defense minister Mariusz Błaszczak stating that Warsaw “should not grant approval for such matters,” reflecting a rare political consensus.
The strain on air defense systems in West Asia has been felt since the opening days of the US-Israeli war on Iran. In early March, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said Seoul opposed US plans to redeploy Patriot and THAAD systems from the Korean Peninsula.
He added that while Washington could act based on its own “military needs,” Seoul had made clear its position despite having limited ability to block the move.
Analysts cited in The Guardian had described the war on Iran as a “salvo competition” that was draining interceptor stockpiles and driving US redeployments.
Italy denies US warplanes access to key air base, rejects role in Iran war
Officials in Rome called for a firm stance against ‘this bully of the planet’ while stressing that Italy has no intention of entering the illegal war on the Islamic Republic
Italy denied US warplanes access to the Sigonella Air Base in Sicily “a few evenings ago,” after flight plans were submitted while in mid-air without prior approval, according to a report cited by Corriere della Sera on 31 March.
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto made the decision after being alerted by Chief of Defense Staff Luciano Portolano, who was informed that US bombers intended to land at the base before continuing toward West Asia.
The request came only after the aircraft were already airborne, with no consultation or authorization from Italian authorities.
Initial military checks found the flights were not routine or logistical, placing them outside existing Italy–US agreements and requiring formal approval and parliamentary oversight.
Crosetto had previously stated that “Any operation that does not fall within existing treaties and therefore requires authorization, we commit to submitting to parliament.”
BREAKING: 🇮🇹🇺🇸🇮🇷 Italy warns on Iran War:
Defense Minister Guido Crosetto says Italy did not support the war and no one asked its opinion.
The length of wars depends not on the strongest, but on the resistance of the weakest. Iran is bigger than Ukraine, with more people and… pic.twitter.com/vNn0wa2Y3u
— War Radar (@War_Radar2) March 30, 2026
With no authorization in place, Portolano informed US command that the aircraft would not be allowed to land and placed them under a “caveat,” restricting landing to emergency situations only.
Political reactions to the decision were immediate in Italy. Democratic Party deputy Anthony Barbagallo called the move “a relevant and correct fact,” but warned the situation remains “extremely opaque and worrying.”
Five Star Movement leader Giuseppe Conte described the denial of access as a “necessary act imposed by our Constitution.”
Spokesperson for the “Green Europe” party Angelo Bonelli pushed for a stronger stance, calling for clear opposition to “this bully of the planet, like [US President] Donald Trump,” while Maurizio Lupi said Italy “is not at war with Iran and does not want to enter it.”
The decision comes amid mounting US pressure for European nations to join their illegal war on Iran, with Italy’s move mirroring Spain’s own refusal to support US-Israeli military offensive operations in West Asia.
Spanish authorities announced yesterday that US military aircraft involved in strikes on Iran would be barred from using the country’s airspace and bases for combat operations, while limiting cooperation to logistical support under existing agreements.
Earlier, several US allies signaled reluctance to escalate further, with the UK, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, and Canada backing a proposed Hormuz “coalition” while making “no commitment” to any direct military role.
Officials emphasized that any involvement would remain limited, with multiple governments ruling out participation in offensive operations and stressing diplomacy over escalation, even as Washington continues to carry out strikes in and around Iran largely alone.
