White House rejects impact of Spain airspace ban on US operations

The United States has dismissed Spain’s decision to close its airspace to American military aircraft, saying it does not require external assistance for ongoing operations linked to the conflict with Iran.

“The United States Military is meeting or surpassing all of its goals under Operation Epic Fury and does not need help from Spain or anyone else," a White House official told American media, reiterating Washington’s confidence in its operational capacity.

The remarks follow Madrid’s move to restrict access to its airspace for U.S. aircraft connected to the Iran war, signalling a firm stance by Spain against military activities led by the United States and its allies in the Middle East.

Spanish authorities have framed the decision as part of a broader policy rejecting involvement in what they describe as illegitimate military actions. Defence Minister Margarita Robles said the government had consistently communicated its restrictions on the use of national infrastructure for such operations.

“This was made perfectly clear to the American military and forces from the very beginning. Therefore, neither the bases are authorized, nor, of course, is the use of Spanish airspace authorized for any actions related to the war in Iran,” Robles said Monday.

Madrid’s stance reportedly extends an earlier prohibition on the use of jointly operated military bases, aligning airspace restrictions with its broader refusal to support the campaign involving Iran, officially the Iran.

By Aghakazim Guliyev