Spain's government announced Monday that it denied the United States permission to use jointly operated military bases for attacks on Iran, prompting the departure of at least 15 U.S. aircraft from the facilities.

Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares told Spanish broadcaster Telecinco that the bases in Rota and Morón "are not being used for this operation, and they will not be used for anything not included in the agreement with the United States or for anything that is not in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations." Defense Minister Margarita Robles added that the facilities must operate within international legal frameworks, noting they could support humanitarian efforts but not the current campaign.

Flight tracking data from FlightRadar24 showed nine KC-135 tanker aircraft leaving Morón air base near Seville toward Germany on Sunday, with two more from Rota naval base heading to southern France and four others departing Rota. At least seven landed at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. The tankers, permanently stationed in Spain for refueling missions, were relocated after Spain's refusal.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned the U.S. and Israeli strikes in a speech in Barcelona, calling them an "unjustified and dangerous military intervention that is outside international law." He stressed that opposition to Iran's regime did not justify the action, which he said contributed to a more hostile global order.

The Rota naval base and Morón air base, under Spanish sovereignty despite joint U.S.-Spanish operation, have hosted American forces since bilateral defense agreements in the 1950s and 1980s. They support refueling, logistics, and operations in the Middle East, Africa, and beyond, including the 2021 Afghanistan evacuation.

Spain's stance contrasts with that of other European allies. Britain reversed an initial refusal and authorized U.S. use of its bases for defensive actions after Iranian missile strikes hit a U.K. facility in Cyprus. France and Germany expressed readiness for proportionate responses to Iran's attacks but distanced themselves from the initial offensive.

The decision follows U.S. and Israeli weekend strikes on Iran, part of an escalating conflict that has drawn European bases into defensive postures amid Iranian retaliation across the region. Spain summoned Iran's ambassador over the counterattacks but prioritized de-escalation and diplomacy. U.S. officials declined immediate comment on the relocations.