Spain Shuts Airspace to US Military Jets Amid Rising Tensions with Iran

MADRID – In a significant move, Spain has prohibited U.S. military aircraft involved in the Iran conflict from flying through its airspace, as confirmed by Defense Minister Margarita Robles on Monday. This decision underscores Spain’s firm stance against the ongoing hostilities involving the U.S. and Israel in the Middle East.

Previously, Spain had already restricted the United States from utilizing their jointly managed military bases for operations linked to the Iran war. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has publicly criticized the conflict, labeling it as illegal, reckless, and unjust.

On Monday, Defense Minister Robles reiterated the nation’s position, emphasizing that the same principles guiding the base restrictions apply to the airspace prohibition.

“This has been communicated clearly to the American military from the start. Therefore, neither the use of the bases nor the Spanish airspace is permitted for any activities associated with the war in Iran,” Robles stated to reporters. The Spanish newspaper El Pais initially reported on Spain’s decision to close its airspace, citing military sources.

Under Prime Minister Sánchez, Spain has emerged as the most vocal European critic of U.S. and Israeli military initiatives in the Middle East.

After Sánchez’s government denied the U.S. use of the Rota and Morón military bases in southern Spain, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to cut trade with Madrid.

Sánchez was also among the most vocal critics of Israel’s actions in its war in Gaza.

“I think everyone knows Spain’s position; it’s very clear,” Robles said, calling the war in Iran “profoundly illegal and profoundly unjust.”