Spain Bans US Aircraft Amid Ongoing Iran Conflict

Mon Mar 30 2026 14:42:13 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Spain has officially closed its airspace to US military aircraft involved in operations against Iran in a move highlighting its opposition to the conflict.

In a decisive stance against the US military operations in Iran, Spain has closed its airspace to American aircraft. Defense Minister Margarita Robles confirmed that military bases like Morón and Rota would not support any actions related to the war. The Spanish government aims to avoid escalation and has consistently voiced its opposition to the US and Israeli attacks on Iran, articulating its commitment to international law and sovereignty.

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 stated, underscoring that Spain had made this clear to the American government from the beginning.

Foreign Affairs Minister José Manuel Albares explained that the decision aims to not do anything that could encourage an escalation in this war. The US has yet to comment officially on the matter, although President Donald Trump has previously threatened a full trade embargo on Spain due to its stance against the conflict.

Since the onset of the war in late February, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has been vocal in opposing the US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, criticizing them as reckless and illegal.

Earlier in March, Sánchez indicated that Spain denied the US access to the Rota and Morón military bases, firmly stating that all flight plans related to the operation in Iran were rejected, including those of refuelling aircraft.

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

The decision comes as parts of the Iberian Peninsula are expected to be bypassed by US bombers, now primarily stationed at the RAF Fairford base in the UK for operations against Iran.

Earlier this month, the Iranian embassy indicated that Tehran would be open to requests from Spain regarding transit through the Strait of Hormuz, acknowledging Spain's commitment to international law.

The Strait is a critical passage for global oil supplies, with 20% of the world's oil typically passing through its waters. Current tensions and threats of Iranian drone and missile attacks have clogged the passage, leading to soaring oil prices.

In a televised address, Sánchez urged a firm stance against war, reflecting on global conflicts, and proposed that Spain's position can be summed up as no to war.