Austria Rejects US Overflight Requests in Iran War

Austria has rejected multiple requests from the United States for military aircraft to overfly its airspace in connection with the ongoing war against Iran, officials confirmed this week, reaffirming the country's constitutional commitment to neutrality.

The Austrian Defense Ministry stated that all such requests, which began after the conflict erupted on February 28, were denied from the outset. "There have indeed been requests and they were refused," ministry spokesperson Michael Bauer said. He explained that Austria applies its neutrality policy consistently, prohibiting overflights or transit that would support any party in an active armed conflict. The decisions are made in consultation with the Foreign Ministry on a case-by-case basis, though routine non-combat flights unrelated to the war may still be approved.

Austria's Vice Chancellor Andi Babler emphasized the stance in a post on the social media platform X, writing, "We want nothing to do with Trump's policy of chaos and his war, which will bring us the next energy crisis. Neutrality is a precious asset in our country. No to war." Babler, a member of the governing coalition, stressed that Vienna would not be drawn...