Spain Takes a Stand: Closes Airspace to US Military Amid Iran Conflict
Spain's Firm Stance Against US Military Involvement
Madrid: In a decisive move, Spain has prohibited US aircraft from utilizing its airspace in connection with the ongoing conflict in Iran, as announced by the country's defense minister on Monday. This action underscores Spain's growing opposition to the involvement of the US and Israel in Middle Eastern affairs.
Previously, Spain had already restricted the US from accessing military bases it operates jointly in the region, with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez labeling such actions as illegal, reckless, and unjust.
Defense Minister Margarita Robles reiterated that the same principles apply to the use of Spanish airspace for military operations related to the Iran conflict. "This was communicated to the American military from the outset. Thus, neither the bases nor the airspace are permitted for any operations concerning the war in Iran," Robles stated during a press briefing.
Under Sanchez's leadership, Spain has emerged as one of the most vocal critics of US and Israeli military strategies in the Middle East.
Earlier this month, Sanchez urged the US, Israel, and Iran to cease hostilities, emphasizing that responding to one illegality with another only leads to greater humanitarian crises.
Following the denial of US access to the Rota and Moron military bases in southern Spain, former President Donald Trump threatened to impose trade restrictions on Madrid.
This incident marks yet another tension point between Spain and the US, reminiscent of previous trade threats made last year when Sanchez's government refused to increase defense spending in line with NATO commitments pressured by Trump.
At that time, Sanchez's administration argued that Spain could fulfill its military obligations by allocating 2.1% of its GDP to defense, rather than the 5% agreed upon by other NATO allies.
Sanchez has also been a prominent critic of Israel's actions in Gaza, facing backlash from the Israeli government on multiple occasions.
"Spain's position is well-known and unequivocal," Robles remarked, describing the war in Iran as "deeply illegal and profoundly unjust."