Spain Closes Airspace to US Aircraft
The Spanish government has officially closed its airspace to United States aircraft participating in ongoing military strikes against Iran. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
Defense Minister Margarita Robles announced this important decision on March 30, stating that military bases in Madrid or the country's airspace would not be permitted for use in any military operations related to the conflict in Iran. Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo explained this measure, emphasizing that the Spanish government does not wish to participate in a war launched unilaterally and without regard for principles of international law.
This ban prevents US fighter jets and refueling aircraft from using the Rota and Moron-de-la-Frontera military bases in southern Spain. Additionally, access to Spanish airspace has been restricted for American aircraft based in third countries such as the United Kingdom and France.
Permission for temporary flight or landing will be granted only in specific emergency situations. Despite these restrictions, Spain continues to fulfill its other obligations under bilateral agreements signed with the United States.
Currently, Spain is providing logistical support for nearly 80,000 American military personnel stationed across the entire European region. Furthermore, the air traffic control center in Seville continues to provide navigation assistance to US bomber aircraft arriving from Missouri, provided they do not enter Spanish airspace.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez sharply criticized the military operations conducted by the United States and Israel against Iran. These actions were assessed as thoughtless and illegal.
Sanchez emphasized that the continuation of the conflict in the Middle East is causing damage to the Spanish economy amounting to approximately 100 billion euros per month. In response to Madrid's firm stance, US President Donald Trump had threatened to completely sever trade relations with Spain.
This situation indicates that a new era may be beginning in the relations between the two countries.
