Spain has escalated its opposition to the ongoing Iran conflict by shutting its airspace to United States military aircraft involved in the war, in a move that underscores growing divisions among Western allies.
Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles confirmed that Madrid would not permit the use of either its airspace or jointly operated military bases for operations linked to the conflict in Iran. The decision extends earlier restrictions that had already denied Washington access to key bases such as Rota and Morón.
The ban applies broadly to any aircraft participating in U.S. or Israeli military missions against Iran, including those operating from third countries like the United Kingdom and France or simply transiting Spanish airspace.
Spanish officials say the measure reflects the government’s firm stance against the war, which it considers a unilateral action that violates international law. Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo reiterated that Spain does not intend to support or take part in the conflict in any form.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has been one of Europe’s most vocal critics of the military campaign, repeatedly calling for restraint and diplomacy while distancing Spain from allies backing Washington’s actions.
The move is expected to complicate U.S. military logistics, forcing aircraft to reroute around Spanish territory and potentially increasing operational costs and flight times. It also risks further straining relations between Madrid and Washington, with U.S. President Donald Trump previously threatening trade repercussions over Spain’s refusal to cooperate.
Spain’s decision highlights widening cracks within NATO and the European Union over the Iran war, as countries adopt differing positions on the U.S.-led intervention.
