Spain has closed its airspace to all planes involved in the military offensive against Iran, the so-called “Epic Fury” operation launched by the United States and Israel on February 28. This was reported by El País and other Spanish media, citing military and government sources.
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The provision goes beyond the already known ban on the use of the bases in Rota, in the province of Cadiz, and Morón de la Frontera, in the province of Seville. The Sánchez government has established that no aircraft linked to the operation — including air-to-air refueling aircraft and those deployed in third countries such as the United Kingdom and France — may fly over Spanish territory. The only exception foreseen concerns emergency situations, in which transit or landing may be authorized.
The lesson of Sánchez who opposes an evil war
The measure was anticipated by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez himself last Wednesday during a plenary session of Congress. “We denied the United States the use of the Rota and Morón bases for this illegal war,” he declared. «All flight plans contemplating actions related to the operation in Iran have been rejected. Everyone, including those on the refueling planes.”
According to Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo, interviewed by Cadena Ser, the decision is part of Madrid’s choice “not to participate and not contribute to a war started unilaterally and against international law”. Following the restrictions, the United States had already withdrawn about fifteen planes from the two Spanish bases. B-52 and B-1 bombers operating in the region had to alter their routes to bypass the Iberian Peninsula.
Donald Trump had called Spain a “nefarious ally” and threatened trade consequences. Madrid, for its part, continues to participate in NATO’s defense activities, including the protection of Türkiye and Cyprus, maintaining commitments with the Atlantic Alliance and the European Union.
