Spain closes its airspace to US and Israel

Spain has escalated its confrontation with the United States over the war in Iran by deciding to close its airspace to military flights involved in the operation. The move reinforces Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s position, who has been among the most outspoken critics of the American and Israeli intervention, labeling it “illegal” due to the absence of an international mandate.

The ban extends beyond aircraft directly carrying out bombings to include support planes, such as aerial refueling tankers, even those stationed in other countries. This effectively broadens the existing veto on the use of the Rota and Morón bases, complicating U.S. military logistics.

The decision is part of a deliberate political strategy: Spain will not participate, directly or indirectly, in a conflict it considers contrary to international law. Sánchez has repeatedly emphasized his refusal to engage in a “unilateral” war, clearly distancing Spain from its Western allies.

Domestically, however, this hardline approach has sparked controversy. The closure of Spanish airspace and the open challenge to Washington come amid a deeply divided political landscape. Opposition parties warn of Spain’s growing isolation and the potential diplomatic and economic fallout, while public debate questions the effectiveness of such a solitary stance.

The parliamentary reaction reflects these tensions. The flight ban announcement received little attention in Congress, overshadowed by internal political disputes and heated exchanges among parties, signaling that Sánchez’s international firmness masks a fragile domestic consensus.

On the international stage, the U.S. has already reacted with threats of trade retaliation and accusations of unreliability. Despite this, the Spanish government maintains that the decision aligns with international law and a political approach that seeks to set Spain apart in Europe.

Spain thus remains one of the few Western countries openly opposing the war against Iran. While the move strengthens Sánchez’s international profile, it also exposes internal divisions and the lack of full domestic support for one of the most delicate foreign policy decisions of his tenure.

Klevis Gjoka