Iran warfare: Spain closes airspace to US warplanes in additional rebuke to Trump | EUROtoday

Spain has closed its airspace to American plane concerned in army operations towards Iran.

This transfer marks a big escalation past Madrid’s earlier refusal to permit using collectively operated army bases.

Defence Minister Margarita Robles confirmed the transfer on Monday.

“We don’t authorise either the use of military bases or the use of airspace for actions related to the war in Iran,” she instructed reporters in Madrid.

Spanish newspaper The Country had first reported the information on Monday, citing army sources.

The closure, which compels US army planes to reroute across the Nato member state on their option to targets within the Middle East, doesn’t apply to emergency conditions, The Country added.

Economy minister Carlos Cuerpo addressed the choice throughout an interview with radio Cadena Ser, whereas responding to questions on potential repercussions for relations with the United States.

He stated: “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.”

Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez has been a vocal critic of the US and Israeli assaults on Iran, characterising them as each reckless and unlawful.

President Donald Trump has beforehand threatened to impose a full US commerce embargo on Madrid over its denial of entry to Spanish bases for the battle.

“Spain has been terrible,” Trump instructed reporters throughout a gathering with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, including: “We’re going to cut off all trade with Spain. We don’t want anything to do with Spain.”

He stated he had instructed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to “cut off all dealings” with Spain.

The US relocated 15 plane, together with refuelling tankers, from the Rota and Moron army bases in southern Spain after the nation’s Socialist management stated it might not permit them for use to assault Iran.

Mr Sanchez, for his half, has stood agency towards the commerce threats and has warned that the Iran warfare dangers “playing Russian roulette” with hundreds of thousands of lives.

“We are not going to be complicit in something that is bad for the world and is also contrary to our values and interests, just out of fear of reprisals from someone,” he stated in a televised handle.