(Image source from: REUTERS)
Spain has restricted its airspace for American aircraft involved in military strikes on Iran, broadening its previous decision to block the use of shared military facilities, stated Defence Minister Margarita Robles on Monday.
"We do not permit the use of military bases or airspace for activities connected to the conflict in Iran," Robles informed the press in Madrid. This action was initially revealed by the Spanish publication El Pais, which referred to military insiders. The article noted that this limitation will require military planes to avoid flying over Spain, a Nato member, when heading towards their objectives in the Middle East. Nevertheless, the closure of airspace will not be enforced during emergencies. Spain’s Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo mentioned that this choice mirrors the government’s overall position regarding the war. “This decision aligns with the Spanish government’s prior resolution to neither engage in nor support a war that was started by one side and goes against international law,” he commented in a discussion with radio Cadena Ser, addressing worries about possible repercussions with the United States.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has been one of the strongest opponents of the US and Israeli military actions against Iran, labeling them as irresponsible and unlawful. US President Donald Trump has cautioned of possible economic ramifications, threatening to halt trade with Spain after the country denied American access to its military bases for activities related to the conflict. Tensions flared between Washington and Madrid surged after Spain's government criticized the US-Israeli campaign against Iran, branding it as reckless and illicit. The leftist administration of Spain, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, also prohibited US planes from using combined air and naval bases in southern Spain for missions connected to the offensive against Iran.
This action frustrated Trump, who previously warned of implementing a complete trade ban on Spain and condemned the nation for not achieving Nato's new defense expenditure goal of 5 percent of its national GDP. Despite the threats, representatives from Spain declared that diplomatic ties between the two nations remain steady.
