Spain closes airspace to US planes involved in war on Iran

Al Jazeera
March 30, 2026
3 min read

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Spain closed its airspace to U.S. military planes participating in operations against Iran, constraining American military operations.

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Spain has closed its airspace to U.S. military planes participating in operations against Iran, escalating a dispute between Madrid and Washington over the use of shared military installations. The decision follows Spain's refusal to permit the U.S. to use jointly operated bases on Spanish territory for the Iran conflict. The move represents a significant constraint on American military operations in the region, potentially requiring U.S. aircraft to take longer routes or seek alternative staging areas. Spain's position reflects broader European hesitation about deeper involvement in Middle East military campaigns. The standoff underscores tensions between NATO allies over the scope and direction of U.S. military strategy.

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