Spain’s airspace off limits to US aircrafts involved in Iran war

International

SPAIN has shut down its airspace to United States (US) aircrafts involved in military operations against Iran, reinforcing its stance against the ongoing conflict.

Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles confirmed the move, stating, “We will not authorise the use of Morón and Rota [military bases] for any acts related to the war in Iran,” and emphasized that Spain had “made this clear to the American government from the beginning.”

In a report by BBC, Foreign Affairs Minister José Manuel Albares echoed this position, explaining that the decision is aimed at preventing further escalation. “The aim is to not do anything that could encourage an escalation in this war,” he said.

The US responded through a White House official, who said the military is “meeting or surpassing all of its goals under Operation Epic Fury and does not need help from Spain or anyone else.”

Tensions between the two allies have also heightened after Donald Trump previously warned of imposing a full trade embargo on Spain due to its opposition to the war.

Since the conflict began in late February, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has been among the most outspoken critics of US and Israeli actions against Iran, describing the strikes as “reckless” and “illegal.”

Earlier in March, Sánchez revealed that Spain had already denied US access to the jointly operated military bases in Rota and Morón, both located in Andalusia.

He later announced that all related flight requests had been rejected, saying, “All flight plans that involved actions related to the operation in Iran were rejected—every single one of them, including those of refuelling aircraft.”

Reaffirming Spain’s position, Sánchez stressed the country’s independence in foreign policy, stating, “We are a sovereign country that does not wish to take part in illegal wars.”

As a result of the airspace restriction, US aircraft involved in operations are now expected to reroute flights, avoiding much of the Iberian Peninsula by passing through the eastern Atlantic or flying over France.

Reports indicate that Spanish airspace and military bases will only be accessible to such aircraft in emergency situations.(Samantha Faye Alcoma, CTU-TC BAEL-ELSD Intern)