When it comes to spain closes airspace to us military over iran war, widening rift with us, spain is taking a strong stance against the ongoing US-Israel military actions in Iran by closing its airspace to US military aircraft involved in operations related to the conflict. This decisive move, confirmed by Defence Minister Margarita Robles on Monday, marks Spain as a leading European critic of the war and highlights its growing rift with the United States.
The closure of Spanish airspace, first reported by El País, comes after Madrid declared that the US would not be allowed to utilize jointly operated military bases within the country for any operations pertaining to the Iran conflict. "We don't authorise either the use of military bases or the use of airspace for actions related to the war in Iran," stated Robles, emphasizing Spain's firm position on what she described as a "profoundly illegal and profoundly unjust" war. Originally reported by The Guardian.
Understanding Spain Closes Airspace To US Military Over Iran War, Widening Rift With US
This closure has significant implications for the operational capabilities of US military forces in Europe. Military aircraft, including those stationed in the UK and elsewhere in Europe, will now have to route around Spain when heading to targets in the Middle East, unless in emergency situations. This decision follows Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's previous remarks, which have already drawn ire from former US President Donald Trump. Sánchez has actively called for a cessation of hostilities, asserting, "You can't respond to one illegality with another because that's how humanity's great disasters begin."
Spain's refusal to allow the US to use its military bases has prompted direct threats from Trump, who suggested that economic repercussions could follow. In response to whether this airspace restriction could worsen Spain's already tense relations with the White House, Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo remarked, "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."
Military Bases Under Scrutiny
The Spanish government has been explicit about denying the US access to its military bases at Rota and Morón de la Frontera for any operations related to the Iran conflict. Sánchez remarked last week in Congress, "We have denied the US the use of the bases at Rota and Morón in this illegal war. All flight plans related to the war in Iran have been rejected, including refueling flights." This clear stance is a departure from previous agreements and highlights Spain's commitment to not support military actions that it deems unlawful.
While US military aircraft can still operate from these bases under existing bilateral agreements for logistical support to the 80,000 US forces stationed in Europe, a significant operational shift occurred at the end of February. Fifteen American KC-135 refueling planes, previously based in Spain, were redirected to bases in France and Germany, indicating a tangible impact from Spain's new policies.
Claims and Counterclaims
The escalating tensions have led to conflicting reports regarding the extent of US military activity in Spain. A report from El Mundo suggested that at least 70 US military flights have utilized Spanish bases since the onset of the conflict. However, Robles countered this claim, asserting that the flights in question were military transports and not combat or refueling missions. Despite this, the presence of B-2 and B-52 bombers at Spanish bases for exercises raises questions about their potential use in conflict scenarios.
Historically, the last time these bombers were used for direct attacks from Spanish territory was during the Gulf War in 1991, under the socialist government of Felipe González. This context adds depth to the current situation, suggesting that Spain is keen to distance itself from any military involvement in Iran.
As Spain continues to assert its position against the US-Israel military actions in Iran, the ramifications of these decisions are likely to resonate throughout Europe and beyond. The broader implications for international relations, particularly between Spain and the United States, remain to be seen as both countries navigate this increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
Originally reported by The Guardian. View original.