Spain has closed its airspace to US military aircraft involved in the war in Iran, in a move that reinforces Madrid’s opposition to American and Israeli actions in the Middle East.
Defence Minister Margarita Robles said on Monday that the decision follows Spain’s earlier refusal to allow the United States to use joint military bases on its territory for operations linked to the conflict.
“This was made perfectly clear to the American military from the very beginning,” Robles told reporters. “Neither the bases are authorised, nor is the use of Spanish airspace permitted for any actions related to the war in Iran.”
The stance reflects the position of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who has described the US and Israel campaign as “illegal, reckless and unjust.”
Spain has emerged as one of the most outspoken European critics of Washington’s Middle East policy. Madrid had already denied the US access to key joint-use facilities, including Rota Naval Base and Morón Air Base.
The dispute has added strain to relations with Washington. US President Donald Trump has reportedly threatened trade measures against Spain following its refusal to support military operations tied to the conflict.
Spain has also been among the most vocal European critics of Israeli military actions in Gaza, reinforcing its broader opposition to ongoing escalation in the region.
“I think everyone knows Spain’s position; it’s very clear,” Robles said, reiterating that the war in Iran is “profoundly illegal and profoundly unjust.”
The closure of Spanish airspace marks a further escalation in tensions between Western allies, exposing divisions over the handling of the Iran conflict and raising questions about strategic coordination within NATO.
