Spain Has Closed The Skies To Planes Involved In The Iran War
- 30.03.2026, 18:31
Madrid has also banned Washington from using bases in southern Spain.
Spain has closed its airspace to US planes involved in strikes on Iran. This was announced by Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles, confirming information published earlier by El Pais newspaper citing sources. "We are not authorizing either the use of military bases or the use of airspace for actions related to the war in Iran," Robles told reporters in Madrid on Monday, March 30.
The measure follows an earlier decision by the Spanish government not to participate in or contribute to "a war that was launched unilaterally and in violation of international law," according to Spanish Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo.
According to El Pais' interlocutors, Madrid is not only banning fighter and refueling planes involved in the US and Israeli military operation against Iran from using the Rota and Morón de la Frontera bases in southern Spain, but is also closing access to US aircraft stationed in third countries such as Britain and France. Overflight or landing of aircraft can only be authorized in emergency situations.
At the same time, the rest of the tasks stipulated in the bilateral agreement between Spain and the US continue to be carried out, the publication notes. In particular, Madrid participates in the logistical support of about 80,000 US troops stationed in Europe. In addition, the air traffic control center located in Seville provides air navigation support to U.S. bombers, which depart from the state of Missouri, strike Iran and then return to the base. During these flights, El Pais writes, these bombers do not enter Spanish airspace.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has been one of the most vocal opponents of the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, calling them reckless and illegal. He explained that while he opposes the Iranian regime, he does not support the military operation, which he believes goes beyond international law.
Sanchez said the conflict in the Middle East costs Spain about 100 billion euros every month. US President Donald Trump in turn threatened to completely sever trade relations with Spain.