European nations have reaffirmed their refusal to cooperate with the United States in its war against Iran. Spain, turning its back on its American ally, has taken the hardline step of closing its airspace. The ban applies specifically to U.S. aircraft involved in military operations against Iran. Italy has denied U.S. military use of its Sicily base. The moves are widely interpreted as strong opposition to the American-led war.
Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles said Wednesday that "U.S. aircraft mobilized for the attack on Iran cannot pass through Spanish airspace," according to BBC. Robles said she had not approved any request to use the Rota Naval Station or Morón Air Base in Spain, where U.S. troops are stationed, for the war against Iran. "The Spanish government made this clear to the U.S. government from the outset of the war," she added.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has been one of the most vocal opponents of the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran. Sánchez has condemned the strikes as reckless and illegal. Under the Spanish government's measures, U.S. military aircraft — including bombers departing from RAF Fairford in the United Kingdom — must bypass the Iberian Peninsula by routing through the eastern Atlantic or French airspace.
Italy also refused to allow U.S. military aircraft to land at its Sicily air base. Reuters reported that Italy decided not to permit U.S. aircraft to land at Sigonella Air Base in Sicily before heading to the Middle East. Italian daily Corriere della Sera reported that U.S. bombers had been scheduled to land at the eastern Sicily base.
A source said the permission was not granted "because the United States did not request approval and did not consult with Italy's military leadership."
France also refused to allow Israel to use its airspace to transport U.S. weapons for its war against Iran. The denial marks the first time France has expressed opposition to the Iran war.
