Spain has closed its airspace to U.S. military aircraft involved in operations against Iran, Defense Minister Margarita Robles said Monday. The decision forces American planes en route to the Middle East to detour over the eastern Atlantic or through France, bypassing the Iberian Peninsula.

Robles told reporters the restriction applies to any actions related to the war in Iran. "This was made clear to the American military and forces from the very beginning. Therefore, neither the bases are authorized, nor, of course, is the use of Spanish airspace authorized for any actions related to the war in Iran," she said. Exceptions exist only for emergencies, according to military sources cited by El País.

The airspace ban extends a policy set earlier this month. On March 2, Spain denied the United States permission to use the jointly operated Rota naval base and Morón air base in Andalusia for Iran-related strikes. U.S. tanker aircraft initially deployed there were relocated to bases in France, Germany, and Romania.

The conflict began on February 28, when U.S. and Israeli forces launched widespread airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites under what some reports call Operation Epic Fury. Iran has retaliated with missile and drone attacks, including a strike on Israel's Haifa refinery reported Monday. The fighting has closed the Strait of Hormuz to much of global shipping, spiking oil prices as 20% of the world's supply passes through the waterway.

Spain's government under Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has positioned itself as a firm opponent, calling the war "illegal, reckless, and unjust." In Congress last week, Sánchez stated, "We have denied the United States the use of the Rota and Morón bases for this illegal war. All flight plans involving operations in Iran have been rejected. All of them, including those for refueling aircraft." The bases continue to support other U.S. missions, such as logistics for European deployments and defensive operations against Iranian missiles targeting NATO ally Turkey.

The move has strained ties with Washington. President Donald Trump threatened to cut all trade with Spain after the base denial, citing NATO spending disputes. No immediate U.S. comment followed Monday's airspace announcement. Other NATO members have varied responses: the UK allowed U.S. bombers at RAF Fairford, while France and Germany provided limited support.

Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo described the policy as consistent with Spain's refusal to join a "war which was initiated unilaterally and against international law." The decision complicates U.S. logistics at a time of escalating strikes but underscores Madrid's commitment to sovereignty.