Spain Shuts Airspace to US Military Aircraft Amid Ongoing Conflict in Iran

Mon Mar 30 2026 15:43:58 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

In a decisive move, Spain has closed its airspace to US military aircraft involved in operations in Iran, reaffirming its stance against participation in what it deems illegal warfare.

Spain's defense minister has stated that the country will not allow the use of its military bases, Moron and Rota, for any actions connected to the war in Iran. The decision reflects Spain's broader opposition to the conflict and its commitment to not facilitate U.S. military operations. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has been vocal against U.S. and Israeli actions in Iran, emphasizing Spain's sovereignty and refusal to engage in illegal wars. Amidst rising tensions, the U.S. has yet to respond publicly, although threats of sanctions have been implied.

Spain has closed its airspace to US planes involved in attacks on Iran, Madrid's defence minister Margarita Robles has said.

We will not authorise the use of Moron and Rota [military bases] for any acts related to the war in Iran, she stated, adding that Spain had made this clear to the American government from the beginning.

Foreign affairs minister José Manuel Albares explained that the decision aims to not do anything that could encourage an escalation in this war.

The US did not immediately comment, but President Donald Trump has previously threatened to impose a full trade embargo on Spain over its opposition to the Iran war.

Since the start of the conflict in late February, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has been a vocal opponent of the US and Israeli attacks on Iran, calling them reckless and illegal. Earlier in March, he confirmed that the US was denied access to the two jointly run military bases at Rota and Morón.

Sánchez emphasized that Spain is a sovereign country that does not wish to partake in illegal wars and rejected all flight plans related to operations in Iran.

As US bombers involved in operations in Iran are stationed at the RAF Fairford base in the UK, they will now have to circumvent much of the Iberian peninsula, either flying over the eastern Atlantic or above France. Spanish media reported that US aircraft could only enter Spanish airspace or land at military bases in the event of emergencies.

Sánchez's firm stance against involvement in the Iran conflict has brought Spain into the spotlight for its refusal to cooperate in actions deemed unjust.