Spain says it has closed its airspace to US planes involved in Iran war

Spain has closed its airspace to US planes involved in the Iran war, defence minister Margarita Robles announced, marking another step in the country’s opposition to the US and Israel’s conflict in the Middle East.

Spain had already said the US could not use jointly operated military bases in the Iran conflict, which Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has described as illegal, reckless and unjust.

Defence minister Ms Robles said the same logic applied to the use of Spanish airspace in the conflict.

Ms Robles said: “This was made perfectly clear to the American military and forces from the very beginning.

“Therefore, neither the bases are authorised, nor, of course, is the use of Spanish airspace authorised for any actions related to the war in Iran.”

Spanish newspaper El Pais first reported the closure of Spain’s airspace, citing military sources.

Spain’s government under Mr Sanchez has been Europe’s loudest opposing voice against US and Israeli military actions in the Middle East.

After Mr Sanchez’s government denied the US use of the Rota and Moron military bases in southern Spain, US President Donald Trump threatened to cut trade with Madrid.

Mr Sanchez was also among the most vocal critics of Israel’s actions in its war in Gaza.

“I think everyone knows Spain’s position; it’s very clear,” Ms Robles said, calling the war in Iran “profoundly illegal and profoundly unjust”.