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 Morón and Rota [military bases] for any acts related to the war in Iran, she asserted, emphasizing that Spain has communicated this stance clearly to the American government from the onset. Foreign Affairs Minister José Manuel Albares further stated that the objective of this decision is to avoid actions that might exacerbate the conflict.
A White House official responded that the US military is currently meeting or exceeding all objectives under Operation Epic Fury without needing assistance from Spain.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has previously threatened to enact a full trade embargo on Spain due to its opposition to the Iran conflict. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has also voiced strong objections against US and Israeli military actions, describing them as 'reckless' and 'illegal'.
Earlier this month, Sánchez confirmed Spain had blocked any requests from the US to utilize the two jointly operated military bases at Rota and Morón for operations linked to the Iran conflict. Furthermore, he dismissed all flight plans associated with these operations, stating, We are a sovereign country that does not wish to take part in illegal wars.
The implications of this airspace closure restrict US military capabilities in Europe, with operations potentially requiring alternate routes, such as around the Iberian Peninsula or through France. Spanish newspaper El País indicated that US aircraft would only be allowed to land or traverse through Spain's airspace in the case of emergencies.
Amid ongoing tensions, an Iranian embassy statement underlined Tehran's openness to discussions with Spain regarding maritime transit through the Strait of Hormuz, which is critical for global oil supply, especially given the prevailing threats to navigation in the area. Recent weeks have seen oil prices surge due to disturbances associated with the ongoing conflict.
A White House official responded that the US military is currently meeting or exceeding all objectives under Operation Epic Fury without needing assistance from Spain.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has previously threatened to enact a full trade embargo on Spain due to its opposition to the Iran conflict. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has also voiced strong objections against US and Israeli military actions, describing them as 'reckless' and 'illegal'.
Earlier this month, Sánchez confirmed Spain had blocked any requests from the US to utilize the two jointly operated military bases at Rota and Morón for operations linked to the Iran conflict. Furthermore, he dismissed all flight plans associated with these operations, stating, We are a sovereign country that does not wish to take part in illegal wars.
The implications of this airspace closure restrict US military capabilities in Europe, with operations potentially requiring alternate routes, such as around the Iberian Peninsula or through France. Spanish newspaper El País indicated that US aircraft would only be allowed to land or traverse through Spain's airspace in the case of emergencies.
Amid ongoing tensions, an Iranian embassy statement underlined Tehran's openness to discussions with Spain regarding maritime transit through the Strait of Hormuz, which is critical for global oil supply, especially given the prevailing threats to navigation in the area. Recent weeks have seen oil prices surge due to disturbances associated with the ongoing conflict.
