©PA
Spain has closed its airspace to all aircraft involved in the military offensive against Iran, Operation Epic Fury, launched by the USA and Israel on February 28.
This was announced by El País and other Spanish media, citing military and government sources.
The measure goes beyond the already well-known ban on using the bases at Rota, in the province of Cadiz, and Morón de la Frontera, in the province of Seville. Pedro Sánchez's government has decided that no aircraft connected with the operation - including air-to-air refueling aircraft and those deployed in third countries such as the UK and France - may fly over Spanish territory. The only exception is for emergency situations, when transit or landing may be authorized.
The measure was announced by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez himself last Wednesday at a plenary session of Congress. "We have refused the United States the use of the Rota and Morón bases for this illegal war," he said. "All flight plans for actions related to the operation in Iran have been rejected. All of them, including those for tanker aircraft."
According to Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo, interviewed by Cadena Ser, this decision is in line with Madrid's choice "not to participate and not to contribute to a war launched unilaterally and in violation of international law". Following these restrictions, the United States had already withdrawn some fifteen aircraft from the two Spanish bases. The B-52 and B-1 bombers operating in the region had to change their trajectories in order to avoid the Iberian Peninsula.
Donald Trump called Spain a "harmful ally" and threatened trade retaliation. Madrid, for its part, continues to participate in NATO's defensive activities, including the protection of Turkey and Cyprus, while respecting its commitments to the Atlantic Alliance and the European Union.
(©GreenMe.it 2026 / Managing Editor: Selma Keshkire - The Press Junction / Picture: Picture Alliance - Anadolu - Burak Akbulut)