Spain has formally closed its airspace to United States military aircraft involved in operations linked to the war with Iran, widening a diplomatic rift with Washington and reinforcing Madrid’s refusal to support combat-related missions connected to the conflict.
Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles confirmed on Monday that neither Spanish military bases nor national airspace would be made available for operations associated with the war.
“The bases are not authorised, and of course neither is the use of Spanish airspace for actions related to the war in Iran,” Robles said, confirming earlier reports published by El País.
According to Spanish media reports, the decision has complicated U.S. military logistics by forcing aircraft to alter routes and refuelling plans on flights bound for the Middle East. Emergency landings or overflights remain the only exception under the new restrictions.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has emerged as one of the most outspoken Western leaders opposing the military campaign launched by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28, repeatedly arguing that the conflict lacks sufficient international legal backing.
Madrid’s position has further strained relations with Washington, already tested by disagreements within North Atlantic Treaty Organization over defence spending.
U.S. President Donald Trump has previously criticised Spain for rejecting Washington’s push for NATO members to raise military spending to five percent of GDP and has threatened possible trade consequences over Madrid’s refusal to cooperate militarily.
The move underscores Spain’s increasingly independent foreign policy posture as the wider Middle East conflict continues to reshape alliances across Europe and beyond.
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