Madrid’s escalating opposition to the ongoing conflict between the United States and Israel and Iran took a significant step forward this week with the announcement that Spain is closing its airspace to all US military aircraft involved in related operations. The move, confirmed by Defence Minister Margarita Robles on Monday, underscores Spain’s increasingly vocal criticism of the war and its refusal to facilitate US military actions. This decision follows a previous rejection of a US request to utilize Spanish military bases – Rota and Morón – for operations connected to the conflict, further straining relations between the two allies.
The closure of Spanish airspace is expected to force US military planes, including those operating from bases in the United Kingdom and elsewhere in Europe, to reroute flights, adding time and logistical complexity to missions targeting the Middle East. While emergency landings will still be permitted, routine transit and refueling operations for aircraft directly involved in the conflict are now prohibited. This action positions Spain as a leading European voice questioning the legality and justification of the escalating tensions in the region.
Spain Cites International Law in Opposition
Defence Minister Robles was unequivocal in her assessment of the conflict, describing it as “profoundly illegal and profoundly unjust.” She stated that Spain’s position is “particularly clear,” emphasizing the government’s firm stance against contributing to what it views as an unlawful war. This strong condemnation reflects a growing unease within the Spanish government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, regarding the potential for wider regional instability and the humanitarian consequences of the ongoing military actions. Sánchez has repeatedly called for a cessation of hostilities, urging the United States, Israel, and Iran to pursue diplomatic solutions.
“You can’t respond to one illegality with another due to the fact that that’s how humanity’s great disasters commence,” Sánchez said in a recent address to the Spanish Congress, a statement that drew a sharp rebuke from former US President Donald Trump. Trump reportedly threatened to cut off trade with Spain in response to Sánchez’s outspoken criticism, a move that highlights the escalating diplomatic tensions surrounding the issue. According to reporting by The Guardian, the threat of trade sanctions has not altered Spain’s position.
Economic Minister Defends Decision Amidst US Pressure
Carlos Cuerpo, Spain’s economy minister, addressed concerns about potential repercussions from the White House, stating that the decision to restrict access to Spanish airspace and military bases is consistent with the government’s broader policy of non-participation in a war initiated “unilaterally and against international law.” Speaking on local radio, Cuerpo affirmed that the government stands by its decision, despite the potential economic ramifications. He emphasized that Spain’s commitment to international law and its principles of neutrality outweigh any potential economic benefits derived from supporting the military operations.
The Spanish government had already signaled its intent to limit US military activity within its borders. Last week, Sánchez informed the Spanish Congress that all flight plans related to the war in Iran had been rejected, including requests for refueling flights. He specifically referenced the denial of access to the Rota and Morón bases, key logistical hubs for US military operations in the region. While a bilateral agreement allows for continued use of these bases for logistical support to the approximately 80,000 US forces stationed in Europe, the Spanish government has clarified that this agreement does not extend to operations directly supporting the conflict in Iran.
Logistical Impacts and Previous Restrictions
Prior to the formal airspace closure, Spain had already begun to restrict US military access. In late February, fifteen American KC-135 refuelling planes based at Morón de la Frontera and Rota were diverted to bases in France and Germany. This initial shift in operations signaled a growing unwillingness from Madrid to support the US-led military campaign.
Responding to reports in the Spanish newspaper El Mundo alleging that at least 70 US military flights had used Spanish bases since the start of the conflict, Defence Minister Robles clarified that these flights were primarily military transports and did not include fighter or refuelling planes directly involved in offensive operations. She also noted that while B-2 and B-52 bombers have participated in exercises at Spanish bases, the last time Spanish territory was used to launch direct attacks against another country was during the Gulf War in 1991, under the socialist government of Felipe González.
The coming weeks will be crucial in observing the impact of Spain’s decision on US military logistics and the broader dynamics of the conflict. The Spanish government has indicated it will continue to monitor the situation closely and reassess its position as needed. Further developments are expected as the US seeks alternative routes and logistical arrangements for its military operations in the region. For updates on this evolving situation, refer to official statements from the Spanish Ministry of Defence and the US Department of Defense.
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