MADRID — Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles announced Monday that her country has prohibited American military aircraft from flying through Spanish airspace for operations connected to the Iran conflict, expanding the nation’s resistance to US and Israeli military activities in the Middle East.
The airspace restriction builds upon Spain’s earlier decision to deny the United States access to jointly-operated military installations for the Iran conflict, which Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has characterized as unlawful, dangerous and unfair.
According to Robles, the same reasoning that led to the base restrictions now applies to Spanish airspace usage in the conflict.
“This was made perfectly clear to the American military and forces from the very beginning. Therefore, neither the bases are authorized, nor, of course, is the use of Spanish airspace authorized for any actions related to the war in Iran,” Robles explained to journalists. The Spanish publication El Pais initially broke the story about the airspace closure, citing sources within the military.
Under Sánchez’s leadership, Spain has emerged as Europe’s most prominent critic of American and Israeli military operations in the Middle East region.
Following the Spanish government’s refusal to allow US forces to utilize the Rota and Morón military installations in southern Spain, President Donald Trump issued threats to reduce trade relations with Madrid.
Sánchez has also been among the most outspoken European leaders condemning Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
“I think everyone knows Spain’s position; it’s very clear,” Robles stated, describing the Iran conflict as “profoundly illegal and profoundly unjust.”
