Spain Bans US Planes Involved in Iran War From Its Airspace

After denying Trump the use of its military bases.

by Joshua Carroll

30 March 2026

Pedro Sánchez via Instagram

US planes involved in the illegal war on Iran are banned from Spanish airspace, Spain’s defence minister has said.

​”We don’t authorise either the use of military bases ​or the use of airspace for actions related ​to the war in Iran,” Margarita Robles told reporters in Madrid on Monday.

The announcement comes after Spain said the US would not be allowed to use its military bases for attacks on Iran. President Donald Trump has threatened to cut trade with Spain in retaliation.

The additional restriction will force US warplanes to bypass Spain on their way to the Middle East, but exceptions can be made in emergency situations, El Pais reported.

Asked about the move, economy minister Carlos Cuerpo said it was 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.”

UK Green party leader Zack Polanski responded to Spain’s announcement by criticising the Labour government’s involvement in the war. 

“There are 27 US B52s at RAF Fairford, launching bombing raids,” he wrote on social media. “Starmer has made Britain part of Trump’s war. He could have said no, just like Spain’s PM.”  

Joshua Carroll is a writer and journalist.

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