Spain has barred US military aircraft from using its airspace as the conflict between Washington, Israel and Iran continues to escalate, the Spanish government announced on Sunday.
The decision, conveyed through diplomatic channels, applies to all American warplanes and support aircraft involved in operations in the Middle East.
Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles said the measure was taken to uphold the country’s neutrality and protect national airspace during the ongoing hostilities.
“We cannot allow our territory to be used as a transit point for military operations in a conflict that does not directly involve Spain,” Robles stated.
The move follows similar restrictions imposed by several European nations in recent weeks and comes as Iranian missile and drone attacks have targeted US bases and shipping routes across the Gulf.
No immediate reaction was issued by the US embassy in Madrid or the Pentagon.
