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Spain Reaffirms Ban on U.S. Iran‑War Flights Through Its Airspace and Use of Rota and Morón Bases
Spain has reaffirmed a ban on U.S. flights related to the war in Iran, denying use of its airspace and the Rota and Morón bases — a stance defended by Defense Minister Margarita Robles and tied by Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo to Spain’s view that the conflict was initiated unilaterally and violates international law. U.S. aircraft, including refueling tankers, have been relocated to other European bases such as Germany and France, while a White House official says the move will not impede Operation Epic Fury and that U.S. goals are being met or surpassed.
📌 Key Facts
- Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles said Spain has denied both base access and use of Spanish airspace for "any actions related to the war in Iran."
- Robles emphasized the denial was made clear "from the very beginning."
- Spanish Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo linked the airspace and base denial to Spain’s view that the Iran war was initiated "unilaterally and against international law."
- U.S. aircraft, including refueling tankers, have been forced to relocate to other European bases such as Germany and France due to Spain’s earlier base restrictions.
- A White House official told Fox News the U.S. is "meeting or surpassing all of its goals under Operation Epic Fury and does not need help from Spain or anyone else," downplaying Spain’s move.
📰 Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
March 30, 2026
6:08 PM
Key US ally blocks airspace to military flights over Iran, escalating standoff with Trump
New information:
- Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles is quoted saying Spain has denied both base access and use of Spanish airspace for "any actions related to the war in Iran," emphasizing that this was made clear "from the very beginning."
- Spanish Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo publicly ties the airspace and base denial to Spain’s view that the Iran war was initiated "unilaterally and against international law."
- The article reiterates that U.S. aircraft, including refueling tankers, have already been forced to relocate to other European bases such as Germany and France due to Spain’s earlier base restrictions.
- A White House official, speaking to Fox News, downplays Spain’s move, claiming the U.S. is "meeting or surpassing all of its goals under Operation Epic Fury and does not need help from Spain or anyone else."