Spain has closed its airspace to U.S. planes involved in the Iran war, Defense Minister Margarita Robles said on Monday.
The move comes days after Spain barred U.S. forces from using jointly operated military bases in the country.
“This was made perfectly clear to the American military and forces from the very beginning. Therefore, neither the bases are authorized, nor, of course, is the use of Spanish airspace authorized for any actions related to the war in Iran,” Robles told reporters, describing the conflict as “profoundly illegal and profoundly unjust.”
In response, the White House said the U.S. does not need Spain’s assistance for its operations.
“The United States Military is meeting or surpassing all of its goals under Operation Epic Fury and does not need help from Spain or anyone else,” a White House official told Newsweek.
However, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized Spain’s decision, saying its leaders were “bragging” about cutting off airspace access, even as Washington continues to pledge defense of the NATO member.
Rubio added that the trans-Atlantic alliance allows the U.S. “to station troops and aircraft and weapons in parts of the world that we wouldn’t normally have bases, and that includes in much of Europe.”
Earlier this month, Spain denied the U.S. permission to use jointly operated military bases in Rota and Morón for attacks on Iran, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemning the U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran as a breach of international law.
As a result of the Spanish decision, the U.S. relocated 15 aircraft, including refueling tankers, from the Rota and Morón military bases in southern Spain.
Earlier this month, U.S. President Donald Trump said Spain “has been terrible” for denying the U.S. use of its bases. He also threatened to cut trade with Madrid. “We’re going to cut off all trade with Spain. We don’t want anything to do with Spain,” he added.
