Madrid has escalated its opposition to American military operations in the Middle East by barring US warplanes from Spanish airspace, weeks after President Donald Trump threatened trade retaliation over the country’s refusal to permit use of jointly-operated military bases.
Defence Minister Margarita Robles confirmed on Sunday that Spain would not “authorise either the use of military bases or the use of airspace for actions related to the war in Iran,” forcing American aircraft to circumvent NATO member Spain whilst en route to targets in the region.
The prohibition excludes emergency situations, according to El Pais, but represents a significant diplomatic escalation that risks further antagonising Mr Trump, who has already warned of potential trade restrictions against Madrid.
Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo defended the decision as consistent with Spain’s broader policy stance. “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 stated when questioned about potential damage to US relations.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has emerged as one of the most outspoken European critics of American and Israeli strikes on Iran, characterising the military campaign as reckless and illegal.
The airspace closure comes as Washington prepares potential ground operations targeting Iranian territory, with Tehran warning it would “set American soldiers on fire” should Mr Trump order an invasion. Pentagon planners have developed strategies for raids on Kharg Island—handling 90 per cent of Iran’s oil exports—and coastal installations near the Strait of Hormuz.
Mr Trump told the Financial Times his “preference would be to take the oil,” comparing the potential operation to Washington’s seizure of Venezuela’s petroleum industry following strongman Nicolás Maduro’s detention in January. “To be honest with you, my favourite thing is to take the oil in Iran but some stupid people back in the US say: ‘Why are you doing that?’ But they’re stupid people,” the President stated.
American military presence in the Middle East has surpassed 50,000 personnel, with 2,500 Marines and 2,500 sailors recently deployed alongside 2,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division ordered to the region last week.
The conflict entered its fifth week as Brent crude climbed above $116 per barrel on Monday morning in Asian trading, approaching levels not seen since hostilities commenced on 28 February—representing a more than 50 per cent monthly increase.
Friday’s strike on a Saudi Arabian air base wounded 12 American servicemen and damaged a $270 million E-3 Sentry surveillance aircraft, whilst Yemen’s Houthi militia claimed responsibility for Saturday’s attack on Israel, marking the Iran-backed group’s entry into the expanding crisis.
