The Government has closed Spanish airspace to flights by aircraft involved in the war in Iran, under the so-called ‘Operation Epic Fury’ led by the United States and Israel. As reported by several media outlets on Monday and confirmed to Europa Press by government sources, with this restriction Spain is not only banning the use of the military bases at Rota and Morón, but also preventing aircraft linked to the offensive against Iran from flying through Spanish airspace.
This ban affects not only take-offs from Spanish territory, but also the overflight of military aircraft coming from bases in the United Kingdom or France. US President Donald Trump previously backed the US military’s withdrawal from the military bases at Rota and Morón, and from other NATO countries not collaborating in protecting the Strait of Hormuz, as proposed by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham on 10 March. In response, Defence Minister Margarita Robles has already stated that she “does not” envisage the United States withdrawing from Spanish military bases.
“We ask that Spain’s position be respected; it is firm, clear and unequivocal in its opposition to any war,” she asserted. For his part, Trump emphasised on Sunday that his administration is negotiating with Iran “both directly and indirectly”, whilst assuring that, as a “sign of respect”, Tehran will allow “20 large oil tankers” to pass through the Strait of Hormuz despite the de facto blockade imposed by the Islamic Republic in retaliation for the offensive launched on 28 February by the Americans and Israelis.
"This decision is part of the decision already made by the Spanish government not to participate in or contribute to a war which was initiated unilaterally and against international law," Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo said during an interview with radio Cadena Ser when asked if the decision to close Spain's airspace could worsen relations with the United States.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has been one of the most vocal opponents of the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, describing them as reckless and illegal. President Donald Trump has threatened to cut trade with Madrid for denying the U.S. use of Spain's bases in the war.