MADRID, SPAIN – Spain has closed its airspace to all US aircraft involved in the war against Iran, significantly escalating its opposition to the US-led military campaign and deepening rifts within NATO.
Defense Minister Margarita Robles confirmed the decision on Monday, stating the ban applies to all flights linked to “Operation Epic Fury” – the US-Israeli campaign against Tehran. The restriction also covers US planes stationed in third countries, including the UK and France.
“Everyone knows Spain’s position. Neither the bases are authorized, nor, of course, is the use of Spanish airspace authorized for any actions related to the war in Iran,” Robles told reporters.
The ban follows Madrid’s earlier refusal to allow the US to use the Rota and Morón military bases in southern Spain for strike missions. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Europe’s most vocal critic of the campaign, has repeatedly described the war as “illegal, reckless, and unjust”.
Washington had explored deploying B-52 and B-1 bombers to Spanish soil, but the proposal was withdrawn after Madrid made clear it would not support operations without international legal backing.
US bombers have since been redeployed to Fairford Air Base in England.
President Donald Trump has threatened trade retaliation against Spain over its refusal to cooperate, though Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo downplayed the fallout, saying economic relations remain “completely normal”.
A narrow exception exists: Spanish airspace may be used in genuine emergency situations.
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