Austrian Defense Ministry spokesperson announced that his country rejected requests from the United States to allow military overflights of its territory since the beginning of the Middle East conflict, according to AFP.
The measure aligns with Austria’s long-standing policy of neutrality which it has upheld since 1955, situating the country in a strategically unique position in Central Europe, bordered to the north, south, and east by NATO member states.
War in Iran
On February 28, the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, targeting its leadership and triggering a new conflict in the Middle East. These strikes have killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and top security and defense officials in the country.
Iran has been responding with a retaliatory counterattack in Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi as a retaliatory move, while launching barrages of missiles and drones toward Israel.
The conflict has spread across the Middle East, leaving thousands dead, triggering unprecedented disruptions to energy supplies especially after the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Donald Trump has criticized several European members of the trans-Atlantic alliance, including France and Spain, over their rejection to permit the use of their airspace for military operations related to the war against Iran.
On Monday, Spain has tightened its restrictions on US military operations linked to strikes on Iran, with Defense Minister Margarita Robles declaring that her country has now closed its airspace to American aircraft involved in the attacks.
This move followed Spain’s earlier refusal to permit the use of jointly operated bases.
This measure compels military aircraft to bypass Spain on their way to targets in the Middle East, although it does not apply in emergency situations.
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