Spain Closes Airspace to US Military Aircraft Involved in Iran War

Mar 30, 2026

Spain has escalated its opposition to US-Israel military operations in Iran by closing its airspace to American military aircraft and denying use of the jointly-operated Rota and Morón bases in Andalusia for Operation Epic Fury, which began in late February. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned the attacks as profoundly illegal and unjust, rejecting even refueling flight plans related to the operation. US President Donald Trump threatened Spain with a full trade embargo in response, while claiming American forces are meeting all objectives without Spanish assistance. The conflict has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz for weeks due to Iranian military threats, disrupting approximately 20% of global oil supply and driving up prices, though Iran indicated willingness to accommodate Spanish transit requests due to Madrid's respect for international law.

Spain's refusal to support US military operations against Iran

▪Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described US and Israeli attacks on Iran as reckless and illegal
▪Spain denied the US use of the two jointly run military bases at Rota and Morón in Andalusia earlier in March

US response and operational impact of Spain's decision

▪US President Donald Trump previously threatened to impose a full trade embargo on Spain over its opposition to the Iran war
▪UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced on 1 March that the UK had agreed to the US request to use RAF Fairford base
▪The US military is meeting or surpassing all of its goals under Operation Epic Fury and does not need help from Spain

Global economic consequences of the Iran conflict

▪Around 20% of the world's oil supply normally passes through the Strait of Hormuz
▪The Iranian embassy in Spain said Tehran would be receptive to requests from Madrid concerning transit through the Strait of Hormuz because Spain was committed to international law