MADRID, Spain: Spain has closed its airspace to US military planes involved in attacks on Iran, Defence Minister Margarita Robles said on Monday, escalating Madrid’s refusal to support Washington’s military operations in the region.
“We don’t authorise either the use of military bases or the use of airspace for actions related to the war in Iran,” Robles told reporters in Madrid, confirming a report by Spanish newspaper El Pais, which cited military sources.
Spain had previously denied the US permission to use jointly operated military bases for operations in Iran.
The new airspace closure now forces US military aircraft to reroute around the NATO member state en route to targets in Iran. El Pais reported that the restriction does not apply in emergency situations.
Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo told radio station Cadena Ser that the decision reflected Spain’s stance against the war.
“This decision is part of the decision already made by the Spanish government not to participate in or contribute to a war which was initiated unilaterally and against international law,” he said.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has been among the most outspoken Western leaders opposing the war, describing US and Israeli attacks on Iran, launched on 28 February, as “reckless and illegal”.
Defence Minister Robles called the conflict “profoundly illegal and profoundly unjust,” reiterating Spain’s firm position.
“I think everyone knows Spain’s position. It’s very clear,” she said.
The Spanish government’s stance has angered US President Donald Trump.
He previously threatened to impose trade restrictions on Spain after Madrid refused to allow the US use of military bases for the Iran operation.
“Spain has been terrible,” Trump told reporters during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
“We’re going to cut off all trade with Spain. We don’t want anything to do with Spain.”
He added that he had instructed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to “cut off all dealings” with the country.
Following Spain’s decisions, the US relocated 15 aircraft, including refuelling tankers, from the Rota and Moron military bases in southern Spain.
