By Ginika Igboke
Spain has barred U.S. aircraft involved in the Iran conflict from using its airspace and military bases, according to Defense Minister Margarita Robles.
“It’s a very clear position: we will not authorize the use of Morón and Rota bases for any act related to the war in Iran,” Robles told reporters in Madrid on March 25. “And, of course, the use of Spanish airspace.”
The decision prevents U.S. fighter jets and refueling aircraft from operating out of Spain and denies overflight access to American aircraft traveling from third countries.
Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo said the move reflects Spain’s broader stance against the conflict.
“This decision is part of the government’s position not to participate in or contribute to a war that was initiated unilaterally and against international law,” he said during an interview with Cadena SER on March 30, acknowledging that the move could strain relations with Washington.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez had already signaled the policy in remarks to parliament on March 25, confirming that Spain would deny access to its bases for operations tied to the war.
“We have refused the United States the use of the Rota and Morón bases for this illegal war,” Sánchez said. “All flight plans connected to the operation in Iran have been rejected, including those involving refueling aircraft.”
Sánchez has emerged as one of the most outspoken European critics of the conflict, warning of its economic consequences.
“Every bomb that falls in the Middle East hits the wallets of our families,” he told lawmakers, adding that Spanish businesses have suffered losses of up to 100 billion euros (about $116 billion) in less than a month.
European Allies Show Resistance
Spain’s stance reflects a broader reluctance among some European leaders to support the U.S.-led effort.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius described the conflict as an economic “catastrophe” during a visit to Australia on March 26 and emphasized that Germany does not want deeper involvement.
“Nobody asked us before. It’s not our war, and we do not want to be drawn into it,” he said.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also distanced Britain from the conflict, stating in a March 30 post on X that the country would not be pulled into the Middle East war.
Strategic Importance of Spanish Bases
Spain hosts two major joint U.S.–Spanish military installations that play a key role in NATO operations across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Naval Station Rota serves as a central hub for the U.S. Navy’s Sixth Fleet, while Morón Air Base in Andalusia provides strategic access to the Mediterranean and supports long-range operations, including aerial refueling.
Although both facilities remain under Spanish sovereignty, they allow a permanent U.S. military presence and are considered among Washington’s most important defense assets in southern Europe.
Foreign Affairs Minister José Manuel Albares reiterated earlier in March that Spanish bases would not be used for operations that violate international law.
U.S. Response and Alternative Arrangements
Despite Spain’s restrictions, the United States has secured alternative basing arrangements in Europe. Washington reached an agreement with the United Kingdom to use RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire as a substitute location for operations.
President Donald Trump reacted sharply to Spain’s decision, saying on March 3 that he had directed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to cut trade ties with the country.
“We don’t want anything to do with Spain,” Trump said.
A White House official later stated that U.S. military operations under “Operation Epic Fury” were meeting or exceeding objectives without Spanish support.
Original article
Comments