Spain Closes Airspace to U.S. Military Planes Involved in Iran War, Defence Minister Confirms

 Spain has banned U.S. military aircraft involved in operations against Iran from using its airspace, escalating its opposition to the ongoing US-Israel conflict in the Middle East.

Defence Minister Margarita Robles confirmed the measure on Monday, March 30, 2026, stating that Spain will not authorize the use of its military bases or airspace for actions related to the war in Iran. “We don’t authorize either the use of military bases or the use of airspace for actions related to the war in Iran,” she told reporters in Madrid.2898f7

The announcement follows an earlier decision by the Spanish government under Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to deny the United States access to jointly operated bases at Rota and Morón de la Frontera for the conflict. Spanish newspaper El País first reported the airspace closure on Monday, citing military sources. The ban applies to U.S. planes, including those stationed in third countries such as the UK or France, forcing rerouting around Spanish territory en route to the Middle East. Emergency situations are exempt.d1a50b

Robles emphasized that the policy has been clear to the U.S. military from the outset of the conflict. Spain views the war as “profoundly illegal and profoundly unjust,” aligning with Sánchez’s strong criticism of unilateral military action lacking broad international backing under the UN Charter.aea6ee

This move highlights Spain’s position as one of Europe’s most vocal critics of the US-Israel operations in Iran. It comes amid heightened tensions, including reported threats from U.S. President Donald Trump to cut trade with Spain following the base denial earlier in March.

The decision does not affect non-military or emergency flights and reflects Madrid’s insistence that cooperation with the U.S. on the bases must remain within the framework of international law.

Spain’s stance has drawn attention within NATO, as it distances itself from allies more supportive of the operations while prioritizing what it describes as adherence to legal and humanitarian principles.