SPAIN CLOSES AIRSPACE TO US WARPLANES.

SPAIN CLOSES AIRSPACE TO US WARPLANES.

Spain has closed its airspace to United States aircraft involved in the Iran War, with Defence Minister Margarita Robles saying Madrid will not allow the use of its Moron and Rota military bases for any war-related operations. Foreign Affairs Minister Jose Manuel Albares says the move is meant to avoid escalating the conflict, adding that the decision was communicated to Washington from the beginning.

The United States has downplayed the move, with a White House official saying its Military is already meeting its objectives and does not need Spain’s support. Tensions have been rising between the two countries, with US President Donald Trump previously threatening a trade embargo, while Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has strongly criticized the US and Israeli attacks on Iran, calling them reckless and illegal.

Spain has also rejected all flight plans linked to the operation, including refueling missions, forcing US aircraft base in the United Kingdom to take longer alternative routes. Meanwhile, concerns are growing over global oil supplies as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz continue to disrupt a key route that carries about 20 percent of the world’s oil, with Spain maintaining it is acting in line with international law.