Spain Closes Airspace to U.S. Planes in Iran Conflict

Spain's government announced on Monday that it has closed its airspace to U.S. military aircraft involved in operations against Iran, extending a previous ban on the use of Spanish bases for the conflict. The decision, confirmed by Defense Minister Margarita Robles during a news briefing in Madrid, aims to prevent Spain from contributing to what officials describe as an unlawful war.

The closure applies to all U.S. planes conducting missions related to the ongoing conflict, including those stationed in other countries such as the United Kingdom or France. Robles stated, "The bases are not authorized, and of course neither is the use of Spanish airspace for actions related to the war in Iran." Exceptions are permitted only for emergency landings or transits, according to reports citing military sources. This measure builds on Spain's earlier refusal to allow U.S. forces to use the Rota naval base in Cadiz and the Moron air base in Seville for offensive operations. In response, the U.S. relocated at least 15 aircraft, including refueling tankers, from those facilities shortly after the war began.

The conflict erupted on February 28 when the United States and Israel launched...