Spanish media report that the Spanish government has ordered the closure of its airspace to US military aircraft involved in the "Epic Fury" operation in the Iran war, forcing planes to avoid the NATO member country's airspace while en route to the Middle East.
El Pais newspaper, citing military sources, reports that the Spanish government has decided to close its airspace to US military planes involved in the "Epic Fury" operation targeting Iran. This marks an escalation of military sanctions after Spain previously denied the US permission to use joint bases for this war.
This order will force US warplanes to detour around Spain's airspace, a NATO member, to reach targets in the Middle East, except in emergencies. Additionally, according to military sources, Spain has also denied airspace access to US aircraft stationed in third countries such as the United Kingdom or France.
Carlos Guerrero, Spain’s Minister of Economy, confirmed that this decision aligns with the government's policy of not supporting unilateral wars that violate international law.
However, the Rota Air Base and Morón de la Frontera Air Base will continue to be used by the US Air Force (USAF) because all missions under bilateral agreements remain in effect, including logistical support for approximately 80,000 US forces stationed in Europe, which will proceed as usual.
Moreover, the Seville Air Traffic Control Center, operated by the state enterprise ENAIRE, continues to provide navigation support for B-2 Spirit bombers departing from Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, to strike Iran and then return nonstop over more than 30 hours. However, these bombers do not enter Spanish airspace but fly through the Strait of Gibraltar, which Spain cannot control.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, a liberal leader, has become one of the most vocal European critics of the US and Israeli attacks on Iran. He condemned the actions as "reckless and illegal," adopting the slogan “No to the war” to drive foreign policy.
Sánchez said earlier this month, “We will not be complicit in actions that harm the world and violate our values and interests simply because we fear severe retaliation from someone.”
US President Donald Trump expressed strong dissatisfaction with Spain’s stance, threatening to "cut all trade relations" with Spain in retaliation for denying US use of the Rota and Morón de la Frontera Air Bases, which both countries have jointly used since the era of General Franco’s dictatorship.
Tensions heightened as Spain’s Foreign Minister denied White House spokesperson claims that Spain had "clearly" received Trump's message and was cooperating with the US military. Spain affirmed that while it condemns the Iranian government, it will not support attacks it views as "unjustified aggression."
This conflict reflects a deep rift between Spain’s left-wing government, which upholds a world order based on law and human rights, and Trump’s MAGA movement, which emphasizes military force and retaliatory economic policies.