Spain has taken a firm stance against the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel in Iran by ruling out the use of its military bases and airspace for operations related to the war.
The government’s decision represents the latest step in the country’s opposition to the conflict. Spanish Defense Minister, Margarita Robles confirmed that Spain has closed its airspace to planes of the United States involved in the US-Israel war on Iran.
The decision extends earlier opposition by Spain to permitting US access to key military installations in the country, including the Rota naval base and Morón air base.
Referring to Spain’s military bases in its southern state of Andalusia, Robles told reporters at a news conference, “We will not authorize, we have said it from the beginning, the use of the bases of Morón and Rota for any action relative to the war in Iran.”
“Spain has not done it, is not doing it, and will not use the bases of Morón and Rota to go to a war that we do not believe in, that we think is profoundly illegal and profoundly unjust.
“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. I think everyone knows Spain’s position; it’s very clear.”
Margarita Robles
Robles reiterated that Spain’s policy is rooted in a rejection of unilateral military action, stressing that the government does not intend to facilitate operations it considers inconsistent with international norms.
The refusal to allow access to military bases and airspace for war-related missions means US aircraft must reroute around Spanish territory if traveling to or from targets in the Middle East, except in cases of emergency.
Spain, under Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has been among the most vocal European critics of the US and Israel’s joint military operation in Iran since the conflict began on February 28, denouncing it as a violation of international law and calling for de-escalation in the region.
The Spanish government has repeatedly denied the US access to its military bases and persistently criticized US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Madrid’s refusal to support the war effort has repeatedly put it at odds with Washington, and today’s announcement reinforces that stance.
Trump previously responded unfavorably to Spain’s stance, ridiculing its leadership and insisting the US cut all trade with its NATO ally.
Spain had already said earlier this month that the US could not use jointly operated military bases in the war, which Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has described as “unjustifiable” and “dangerous.”
US President Donald Trump threatened to cut trade with Madrid after the Spanish government denied the US use of the Rota and Moron military bases in southern Spain, forcing 15 US aircraft to relocate.
Commenting on the war earlier this month, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said, “This is how humanity’s great disasters start … The world cannot solve its problems with conflicts and bombs.”
Spain has also been a vocal critic of Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza. In October, its parliament approved the enshrinement in law of a total arms embargo on Israel, permanently banning the sale of weapons, dual-use technology and military equipment.
That announcement drew a furious response from Israel, which had already withdrawn its ambassador when Spain recognised a Palestinian state in May 2024.
Starmer Rules Out British Troops Deployment To Iran
Separately, British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer ruled out deploying troops to Iran, distancing the UK from direct involvement in the conflict. “This is not our war, and we’re not going to get drawn into it,” he said.
Starmer said that the UK is taking “defensive action” to protect “British lives, British interests and, of course, our allies in the region.”
He added that Britain will continue its efforts to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz but stressed, “We are not going to get dragged into this war.”
The UK, however, has approved the use of British bases by the US for strikes against Iranian sites linked to threats in the Strait of Hormuz. The UK has also deployed fighter jets to intercept Iranian projectiles.
READ ALSO: Trump Issues Another Threat To Iran Over Strait of Hormuz Closure
