Summary

Spain has closed its airspace to U.S. planes involved in attacks on Iran, a step beyond its previous denial of use of jointly-operated military bases, Defense Minister Margarita Robles said on Monday. "We don't authorize either the use of military bases or the use of airspace for actions related to the war in Iran," she told reporters in Madrid. Spanish newspaper El Pais had first reported the news on Monday, citing military sources. The closure of the airspace forces military planes to bypass NATO member Spain en route to their targets in the Middle East, but it does not include emergency situations, El Pais added. "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.© Thomson Reuters 2026. 14 Comments sakurasuki Well done Spain! ¡Viva España! deanzaZZR Bravo GuruMick Small nations can make a difference..... TokyoLiving GO SPAIN!!.. IVO right move. NCIS Reruns In this ambiguous world, it's quite rare to see a political leader having the courage of his convictions. ThePunisher Good on Spain. A government with morals and decency, unlike the Americans and Israelis and their evil and illegal war. Amber I love the his guy. Blacklabel Uh huh. one of the faces of why we need to leave NATO. we protect Europe for 80 years then in return they deny us access to bases and even air space? ThePunisher You protect no one. America, in fact, does the opposite - it threatens EU members with invasion. America is undeserving of any respect or support. Blacklabel Ok, good luck with NATO by yourself then. ThePunisher Let's just see what happens to your countrymen if they are reckless enough to attempt an invasion of Iran. We'll all be watching. J101 You still don't understand, that NATO countries have no obligation to support illegal wars? Firefly Have you been sold the idea that this money goes to other NATO states?