Spain bars US warplanes involved in Iran war from its airspace and bases

Key facts

• Spain has closed its airspace to United States (US) aircraft participating in attacks on Iran.
• Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles stated that Madrid will not authorise the use of Morón and Rota military bases for any acts related to the war in Iran.
• Spanish Foreign Affairs Minister José Manuel Albares said the decision aims to avoid encouraging escalation in the war.
• Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described US and Israeli attacks on Iran as reckless and illegal.
• Spain denied every US flight plan related to operations in Iran, including those of refuelling aircraft.
• US bombers involved in Iran operations are stationed at RAF Fairford base in Gloucestershire, United Kingdom (UK).
• Aircraft must bypass Spanish airspace by flying over the eastern Atlantic or France.
• Spanish newspaper El País reported that US aircraft may transit or land in Spain only in emergencies.
• The Iranian embassy in Spain indicated Tehran would consider Spanish transit requests through the Strait of Hormuz due to Spain’s commitment to international law.
• Around 20% of global oil supply normally transits the Strait of Hormuz.