Spain has closed its airspace to US aircraft involved in attacks on Iran. The government took this step to stay out of the conflict. Defence Minister Margarita Robles said, “We will not authorise the use of Morón and Rota [military bases] for any acts related to the war in Iran.” She added that Spain had “made this clear to the American government from the beginning”.

Spain Aims to Prevent Escalation

Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said Spain wants to avoid worsening the situation. He said the goal is to “not do anything that could encourage an escalation in this war”.

A White House official responded by saying the US is “meeting or surpassing all of its goals under Operation Epic Fury and does not need help from Spain or anyone else”.

Spain Opposes US and Israel Actions

Spain has strongly criticised the military actions by the United States and Israel since the conflict began in February. Officials have called the operation “reckless” and “illegal”.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Spain had already denied US access to the Rota and Morón bases. He also said Spain rejected all related flight requests.

“All flight plans that involved actions related to the operation in Iran were rejected - every single one of them, including those of refuelling aircraft.”

Sanchez added, “We are a sovereign country that does not wish to take part in illegal wars.”

Sanchez Warns of Serious Consequences

Prime Minister Sanchez warned that the current conflict could be worse than the Iraq War.

“This is not the same scenario as the illegal war in Iraq. We are facing something far worse. Much worse. With a potential impact that is far broader and far deeper,” he said in parliament.

He also said, “This time, it’s an absurd and illegal war. A cruel one that sets us back from achieving our economic, social, and environmental goals.”