Spain Closes Airspace to US Iran War Planes

Spain has closed its airspace to US military aircraft involved in operations against Iran, according to Defense Minister Margarita Robles. This decision extends Spain's earlier refusal to allow the use of Spanish military bases for war-related activities, marking a significant escalation in tensions between Spain and the United States.

The closure forces US military planes, including those based in the UK and elsewhere in Europe, to bypass Spain en route to targets in the Middle East. The restriction does not apply to emergency situations. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has been vocal in his opposition to the US and Israeli attacks on Iran, describing them as 'reckless' and 'illegal'.

Defense Minister Robles confirmed the airspace closure, stating that Spain's position is clear: neither its bases nor its airspace will be authorized for any actions related to the war in Iran. She called the war 'profoundly illegal and profoundly unjust.' This stance aligns with Spain's broader policy against participating in or contributing to a conflict it views as initiated unilaterally and against international law.

President Donald Trump has threatened to cut trade with Madrid over its refusal to allow the US use of Spanish bases in the war. The threat comes amid growing diplomatic rifts between the two nations. Despite these tensions, US military aircraft can still use the bases within the terms of a bilateral agreement for logistics support.

Under Sánchez's left-wing government, Spain has been Europe’s loudest opposing voice against US and Israeli military actions in the Middle East. The country has also been a vocal critic of Israel’s war on Gaza, with its parliament approving a total arms embargo on Israel in October 2023.

Prime Minister Sánchez warned that great wars often start due to miscalculations and unforeseen circumstances, emphasizing the need to learn from history. Foreign Affairs Minister José Manuel Albares stated Spain's desire not to encourage any escalation in the war. The White House responded by asserting it does not need help from Spain or anyone else, claiming it is meeting all its goals with the action against Iran.

Spain’s earlier decision to bar the use of those bases for Iran-related operations forced US aircraft, including refueling tankers, to relocate to other European bases such as Germany and France. The standoff also reflects broader, long-running friction between Trump and Spain over defense spending and burden-sharing inside NATO.