Spain has barred U.S. aircraft involved in attacks on Iran from using its airspace, marking a stricter stance than its earlier refusal to allow the use of jointly operated military bases, Defence Minister Margarita Robles said on Monday.
“We do not permit the use of military bases or airspace for operations connected to the conflict in Iran,” she told reporters in Madrid.
The announcement was first reported by Spanish newspaper El Pais, citing unnamed military sources.
The airspace restriction means that U.S. military planes will need to reroute around Spain, a NATO member, when heading to Middle Eastern targets, though the measure does not apply to emergency situations, according to El Pais.
Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo explained in a radio interview with Cadena Ser that the decision aligns with the Spanish government’s prior stance of not participating in or supporting a conflict initiated unilaterally and in violation of international law, adding that the move could strain relations with the United States.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has consistently criticized U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, describing them as reckless and unlawful.
In response, President Donald Trump has threatened to impose trade penalties on Madrid for denying U.S. access to Spain’s military bases amid the conflict.