Austria's Defense Ministry confirmed on Thursday that it rejected multiple U.S. requests to use its airspace for military operations connected to the ongoing war with Iran. A ministry spokesperson stated there had been "several" such requests from Washington, all denied from the outset due to Austria's constitutional neutrality.

Colonel Michael Bauer, the ministry spokesperson, told reporters that requests involving parties to an armed conflict are refused if they serve a military purpose related to that conflict. "There have indeed been requests, and they were refused from the outset," Bauer said, adding that Austria assesses each case individually in coordination with the Foreign Ministry rather than imposing a blanket ban on U.S. overflights.

Austria's neutrality stems from the 1955 Austrian State Treaty, which obligates the country to refrain from participating in military alliances or allowing its territory to be used for military purposes by belligerents. All foreign military aircraft must seek prior permission and declare their intent before entering Austrian airspace.

The decision comes amid the war between the United States, Israel, and Iran, which began on February 28, 2026, with U.S. and Israeli airstrikes under Operation Epic Fury targeting Iranian nuclear sites, missile facilities, air defenses, and leadership, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on Israel, U.S. bases, and Gulf states, while closing the Strait of Hormuz and disrupting global energy supplies.

President Donald Trump addressed the nation on Wednesday, stating U.S. objectives in Iran were nearing completion but warning of aggressive strikes over the next two to three weeks. The conflict has caused thousands of deaths, primarily in Iran, with strikes continuing on ballistic missile infrastructure.

Austria is not alone in restricting U.S. access. Spain, Italy, and France have denied airspace or base usage for Iran-related operations, complicating logistics for U.S. forces operating from Europe. Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, earlier refused similar permissions. These refusals reflect broader European concerns over escalation, though Austria emphasized its policy applies equally to all conflict parties.

The ministry clarified that non-conflict-related U.S. flights remain permitted, maintaining Austria's balanced approach amid transatlantic tensions.