Spain closes airspace to US planes involved in war on Iran

Tuesday, 31 March 2026 05:53 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles

Spain has closed its airspace to planes of the US involved in the US-Israel war on Iran, the latest step in the country’s opposition to the conflict.

Defence Minister Margarita Robles confirmed the airspace closure to reporters yesterday after Spain’s El Pais newspaper first reported on it, quoting military sources.

“This was made perfectly clear to the American military and forces from the very beginning. Therefore, neither the bases are authorised, nor, of course, is the use of Spanish airspace authorised for any actions related to the war in Iran,” Robles said.

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

Spain had already said earlier this month that the US could not use jointly operated military bases in the war, which Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has described as “unjustifiable” and “dangerous.”

US President Donald Trump threatened to cut trade with Madrid after the Spanish Government denied the US use of the Rota and Moron military bases in southern Spain, forcing 15 US aircraft to relocate.

Under the left-wing Government led by Sánchez, Spain has been Europe’s loudest opposing voice against US and Israeli military actions in the Middle East, at a time when the EU vaguely called for de-escalation and protecting civilians without rejecting the assault on Iran.

Commenting on the war earlier this month, the Prime Minister said: “This is how humanity’s great disasters start. The world cannot solve its problems with conflicts and bombs.”