Spain closes airspace to US planes involved in Iran war, saya defence minister

Spain has closed its airspace to U.S. planes involved ​in attacks on Iran, a step beyond its ‌previous denial of use of jointly-operated military bases, Defence Minister Margarita Robles said on Monday.

"We don't authorize either the use of military bases ​or the use of airspace for actions related ​to the war in Iran," she told reporters ⁠in Madrid.

Spanish newspaper El Pais had first reported ​the news on Monday, citing military sources.

The closure of the airspace forces military ​planes to bypass NATO member Spain en route to their targets in the Middle East, but it does not include emergency situations, El ​Pais added.

"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 during an interview with radio Cadena Ser when asked if the decision ​to close Spain's ​airspace could ⁠worsen relations with the United States.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has been one of ​the most vocal opponents of the U.S. ​and ⁠Israeli attacks on Iran, describing them as reckless and illegal.

President Donald Trump has threatened to cut trade with Madrid for ⁠denying ​the U.S. use of Spain's bases ​in the war.

Reuters/AM