Spain has tightened its restrictions on US military operations linked to strikes on Iran, with Defense Minister Margarita Robles declaring on Monday that her country has now closed its airspace to American aircraft involved in the attacks, according to Reuters.
This move followed Spain’s earlier refusal to permit the use of jointly operated bases.
“We don’t authorize either the use of military bases or the use of airspace for actions related to the war in Iran,” Robles told reporters in Madrid.
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.
“This decision is 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,” Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo said.
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.
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