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Spain has refused to allow the United States to use its airspace for military activities related to the conflict involving Iran, officials confirmed on Monday.
Reports indicated that the restriction also covered US aircraft operating from bases in other countries such as the United Kingdom and France.
Plans to deploy long-range bombers to southern Spain were shelved after Madrid signaled it would not support operations lacking international legal basis.
Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles reiterated the government’s stance, stressing that Spanish facilities and airspace would not be used for actions linked to the war in Iran.
Authorities, however, allowed limited exceptions for emergencies, including situations requiring transit or landing for safety reasons.
Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said the move aligned with Spain’s position of avoiding actions that could heighten tensions, while expressing concern over the worsening situation and its potential humanitarian impact.
He warned that continued conflict could trigger displacement toward Europe and described the evolving situation as increasingly serious.
Despite tensions, Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo said trade relations with the United States remained unchanged, noting that economic ties are governed at the European Union level and that Spanish firms continue operating normally.