Spain Bans US Aircraft from Its Airspace Amid Iran Conflict

Mon Mar 30 2026 14:23:55 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

In a bold move against the US, Spain has closed its airspace to American military aircraft involved in the conflict with Iran, aiming to prevent any escalation in hostilities.

Spain's defense minister, Margarita Robles, announced the closure of airspace to US aircraft involved in the Iran war, emphasizing Spain's stance against participation in illegal conflicts. This decision blocks access to key military bases in Morón and Rota and reflects Spain's commitment to preventing escalation of the war, as articulated by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. The Spanish government maintains that it is a sovereign nation that will not support actions deemed reckless or illegal.

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 Moron and Rota [military bases] for any acts related to the war in Iran, she said, adding that Spain had made this clear to the American government from the beginning.

Foreign affairs minister José Manuel Albares stated the aim of the decision was to not do anything that could encourage an escalation in this war.

The US did not immediately comment but President Donald Trump has previously threatened to impose a full trade embargo on Spain over its opposition to the Iran war.

Since the start of the war in late February, the Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has been one of the most vocal opponents of the US and Israeli attacks on Iran, describing them as reckless and illegal.

Earlier in March, Sánchez said Spain had denied the US use of the two jointly run military bases at Rota and Morón, both in Andalusia.

Last Wednesday, he also announced that all flight plans that involved actions related to the operation in Iran were rejected - every single one of them, including those of refuelling aircraft.

We are a sovereign country that does not wish to take part in illegal wars, he said.

Some US bombers involved in operations in Iran are stationed at the RAF Fairford base in Gloucestershire, UK, and will have to bypass much of the Iberian peninsula, either flying over the eastern Atlantic or over France.

In a televised address on 4 March, the Spanish Prime Minister reflected on several wars, stating, no to war.

Spanish newspaper El País reported that aircraft would only be able to transit through Spain's airspace or land at the bases in case of emergency.

The Iranian embassy in Spain has also expressed willingness to collaborate on transit matters relating to international law.

This development highlights the complexities of international relations and the challenges faced by nations navigating their positions in global conflicts.