Spain's Defense Minister, Margarita Robles, announced on Monday that the country has officially closed its airspace to U.S. military aircraft involved in the ongoing conflict in Iran. This decision aligns with Spain's broader stance against U.S. and Israeli military actions in the Middle East, which the Spanish government has described as illegal and unjust.
Robles clarified that the prohibition extends not only to airspace but also to the use of Spanish military bases, specifically the Rota and Morón bases, which had previously been available for U.S. operations. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has been vocal in his opposition to the conflict, emphasizing that the U.S. military's activities in Iran are not sanctioned by Spain.
The decision to close airspace was communicated to U.S. military officials early on, according to Robles. The Spanish government has positioned itself as a leading voice in Europe against the military actions taken by the U.S. and Israel, particularly amid rising tensions in the region.
Spain's firm stance has not been without consequences; in the past, President Donald Trump threatened to reevaluate trade relations with Spain after the denial of military base access.
Robles reiterated Spain's clear position on the matter, labeling the conflict in Iran as "profoundly illegal and profoundly unjust." This move signifies Spain's commitment to distancing itself from the U.S. military's involvement in the region and reflects the government's continued opposition to actions perceived as exacerbating regional instability.