Spain, in a bold move, has closed its airspace for the United States considering ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Declaring clear support for Iran, Spain's defense minister Margarita Robles expressed on Monday that planes involved in attacks on Iran are strictly restricted from crossing its airbase—a step beyond its previous denial of use of jointly operated military bases.
"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.
As reported by El País, 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.
"This decision is part of the decision already made by the Spanish government not to participate in or contribute to a war that 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.
Additionally, President Donald Trump has also threatened to cut trade with Madrid for denying the U.S. use of Spain's bases in the war.
Furthermore, the news reported on Monday was first sourced through Spanish newspaper El Pais, citing military sources.
