Spain closes airspace to US military flights linked to Iran war
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Spain has closed its airspace to United States military aircraft involved in attacks on Iran, deepening a rift with Washington over the conflict.
Defence Minister Margarita Robles confirmed the decision on Monday, saying Spain would not permit either its military bases or airspace to be used for operations related to the war.
“We don’t authorise either the use of military bases or the use of airspace for actions related to the war in Iran,” Robles said, describing the conflict as “profoundly illegal and profoundly unjust”.
The move follows an earlier decision by Madrid to block the use of the jointly operated Rota naval base and Morón air base for US military operations against Iran.
Spain’s decision means US military aircraft, including planes based in Britain and other parts of Europe, will have to avoid Spanish airspace when travelling to the Middle East, except in emergencies.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has been one of Europe’s strongest critics of the US-Israel campaign against Iran. He has urged all sides to end the conflict and said military action outside international law could lead to wider instability.
The dispute has strained relations between Madrid and Washington. President Donald Trump has threatened trade measures against Spain after the government denied the US access to its bases.
Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo defended the latest decision, saying Spain would not take part in or support a war that it believes was launched unilaterally and in violation of international law.