Spain’s leftist government has closed its airspace to United States military aircraft carrying out missions linked to the war in Iran and denied Washington access to its bases, Defence Minister Margarita Robles said on Monday.
Robles told journalists that Spanish bases were “not authorised” for such operations and that the country’s airspace would not be used for actions connected to the conflict in Iran, confirming earlier reports.
The decision is said to have complicated US military logistics, forcing aircraft to alter routes on their way to the Middle East. Exceptions would only be made in emergency situations.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has been one of the most prominent Western leaders opposing the war, which began following joint US-Israeli strikes on February 28 and has since escalated across the region.
Spain’s stance has strained relations with Washington, with US President Donald Trump reportedly threatening trade repercussions amid the growing policy rift.
Tensions had already been heightened after Spain declined to support US calls for NATO members to increase defence spending to five percent of their gross domestic product.
