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 stated, emphasizing the clarity of this position to the American government from the outset. Foreign Affairs Minister José Manuel Albares added that the objective of this decision is to refrain from any actions that might escalate the war.
A White House official responded that the US military is currently meeting or surpassing its objectives under Operation Epic Fury without requiring assistance from Spain. Tensions between the US and Spain have escalated, with US President Trump earlier warning of a potential trade embargo due to Spain's opposition to the conflict.
Since the conflict's onset in late February, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has been an outspoken critic of US and Israeli military actions in Iran, condemning them as reckless and illegal. Earlier in March, he also denied the US access to the jointly operated military bases at Rota and Morón, both located in Andalusia. Sánchez made it clear that all flight plans linked to operations in Iran had been rejected, stating, We are a sovereign country that does not wish to take part in illegal wars.
Furthermore, Spanish newspaper El País reported that US bombers involved in the conflict are stationed at RAF Fairford in the UK, thereby necessitating adjustments to their flight paths to circumvent Spanish airspace unless in emergencies. The implications extend beyond the military realm, as around 20% of the world’s oil supply traverses the Strait of Hormuz, where tensions have prompted rising oil prices.
A White House official responded that the US military is currently meeting or surpassing its objectives under Operation Epic Fury without requiring assistance from Spain. Tensions between the US and Spain have escalated, with US President Trump earlier warning of a potential trade embargo due to Spain's opposition to the conflict.
Since the conflict's onset in late February, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has been an outspoken critic of US and Israeli military actions in Iran, condemning them as reckless and illegal. Earlier in March, he also denied the US access to the jointly operated military bases at Rota and Morón, both located in Andalusia. Sánchez made it clear that all flight plans linked to operations in Iran had been rejected, stating, We are a sovereign country that does not wish to take part in illegal wars.
Furthermore, Spanish newspaper El País reported that US bombers involved in the conflict are stationed at RAF Fairford in the UK, thereby necessitating adjustments to their flight paths to circumvent Spanish airspace unless in emergencies. The implications extend beyond the military realm, as around 20% of the world’s oil supply traverses the Strait of Hormuz, where tensions have prompted rising oil prices.
