Spain Blocks US Military Jets From Its Airspace Over Iran War

Spain has closed its airspace to US military aircraft involved in operations against Iran and will not allow the use of its bases for any part of the conflict, according to Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles.

“We have made this clear to the American government from the beginning,” Robles said.

Spain’s Foreign Affairs Minister José Manuel Albares said the decision is aimed at avoiding “anything that could encourage an escalation in this war“.

US President Donald Trump has previously threatened a full trade embargo on Spain over its opposition to the campaign.

Spanish newspaper El País reported that US aircraft will only be allowed to enter Spanish airspace or land at military bases in cases of genuine emergency.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has been one of the most vocal critics of the US and Israeli attacks on Iran since the conflict began in late February, calling them “reckless” and “illegal”. Earlier this month, Sánchez said Spain had rejected all US flight plans related to the operation, including refuelling missions. “We are a sovereign country that does not wish to take part in illegal wars,” he declared.