Spain Shuts Airspace To US Planes Linked To Iran War, Widening Rift With US

30th March 2026 at 6:57 PM

1 minute read

Madrid : : Spain has closed its airspace to US planes involved in attacks on Iran, expanding its earlier decision to deny the use of jointly operated military bases. According to the report, the restriction will force military aircraft to bypass Nato member Spain while travelling to targets in the Middle East.

The airspace closure does not apply in emergency situations. Spain’s Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo said the decision reflects the government’s broader stance against the conflict. 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,” he said.

US President Donald Trump has warned of possible economic consequences, threatening to cut trade with Madrid after Spain denied access to its military bases for operations linked to the conflict. Tensions erupted between Washington and Madrid escalated after Spain’s government criticised the US-Israeli war on Iran, describing it as reckless and illegal.

The move angered Trump, who earlier threatened to impose a full trade embargo on Spain and criticised the country for failing to meet Nato’s new defence spending target of 5 per cent of national GDP. Despite the threats, Spanish officials said diplomatic relations between the two countries remain stable.