Spain has announced the closure of its airspace to United States aircraft involved in the ongoing conflict in Iran, the defence minister said on Monday. This decision represents a significant step in the government’s stance against US and Israeli military involvement in the Middle East. Previously, the Spanish government stated that the US would be prohibited from using jointly operated military bases in relation to the Iran conflict, a conflict that Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has characterised as illegal, reckless, and unjust.
Defence Minister Margarita Robles reiterated on Monday that the same principles apply to the use of Spanish airspace. “This was made clear to the American military from the outset. Consequently, neither the bases are authorised for use, nor is Spanish airspace permitted for any actions associated with the war in Iran,” Robles informed reporters.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Sánchez, recognised as one of Europe’s prominent left-wing leaders, Spain has emerged as a leading voice opposing US and Israeli military actions in the region. He has urged the US, Israel, and Iran to work towards ending the conflict, asserting earlier this month: “One illegality cannot be countered with another, as that is how humanity’s greatest disasters arise.”
After the Spanish government denied the US access to the Rota and Morón military bases in southern Spain, US President Donald Trump threatened to impose trade restrictions on Madrid. This incident reflects another point of tension in the relationship between Spain and the US, which had previously threatened trade against Spain last year, coinciding with Sánchez’s announcement that his government would not increase defence spending in accordance with commitments made by other NATO members under pressure from the Trump administration. At that time, Sánchez’s administration argued that Spain could fulfil its military obligations by allocating 2.1% of its gross domestic product to defence, rather than the 5% agreed upon by other NATO partners.
Additionally, Sánchez has been a vocal critic of Israel’s military actions in the conflict in Gaza, which has drawn criticism from the Israeli government multiple times. “Spain’s position is widely recognised and very clear,” Robles stated, describing the situation in Iran as “profoundly illegal and profoundly unjust.”
This article used information from The Associated Press.
