Spain closes airspace to US aircraft involved in Iran war
BBC • • world
Key Points:
- Spain has officially closed its airspace to US military planes involved in attacks on Iran, with Defence Minister Margarita Robles stating that Spanish bases Morón and Rota will not be used for any actions related to the Iran conflict.
- The decision aims to prevent escalation of the war, according to Foreign Affairs Minister José Manuel Albares, reflecting Spain's stance against participation in what it views as illegal military actions.
- US officials have indicated that American military operations under Operation Epic Fury are proceeding without needing Spanish support, despite Spain's refusal to grant access to its bases and airspace.
- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has been a vocal critic of the US and Israeli attacks on Iran, describing them as reckless and illegal, and has consistently denied US requests for base usage and flight plans involving the Iran operation.
- While the UK has allowed US bombers to use RAF Fairford, Spanish airspace restrictions mean US aircraft must reroute around the Iberian Peninsula, limiting their transit options and signaling Spain's firm opposition to the conflict.
