Spain has closed its airspace to US planes involved in the Iran war, marking a significant step in the country's opposition to the US and Israel's conflict in the Middle East.
Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles said Monday that the same logic that prohibits the use of jointly operated military bases in the Iran conflict also applies to the use of Spanish airspace.
“This was made perfectly clear to the American military and forces from the very beginning. Therefore, neither the bases are authorized, nor, of course, is the use of Spanish airspace authorized for any actions related to the war in Iran,” Robles told reporters.
Spain's government under Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has been Europe's loudest opposing voice against US and Israeli military actions in the Middle East.
After Sánchez's government denied the US use of the Rota and Morón military bases in southern Spain, US President Donald Trump threatened to cut trade with Madrid.
Sánchez was also among the most vocal critics of Israel's actions in its war in Gaza.
“I think everyone knows Spain’s position; it’s very clear,” Robles said, calling the war in Iran “profoundly illegal and profoundly unjust.”
