Spain escalates its non-participation stance by denying airspace to US military aircraft involved in attacks on Iran, citing unilateral and illegal war

MADRID: Spain has closed its airspace to United States military aircraft involved in attacks on Iran.

The move, reported by Spanish newspaper El Pais citing military sources, goes beyond its earlier denial of the use of jointly-operated military bases.

The closure forces relevant US military planes to bypass the NATO member nation en route to targets in the Middle East.

El Pais added that the restriction does not apply to emergency situations.

When asked if the decision could worsen relations with the US, Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo explained the government’s position.

“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 during a radio interview.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has been a prominent critic of the US and Israeli attacks on Iran.

He has previously described the military actions as reckless and illegal.

The Spanish Ministry of Defence did not immediately reply to a request for comment on the report.

US President Donald Trump has previously threatened to cut trade with Madrid over its denial of base access for the war effort.

 The Sun Malaysia