Spain has barred the use of its military bases for strikes on Iranian targets, prompting the immediate departure of U.S. aircraft stationed there. Flight tracking data shows fifteen U.S. planes, mostly Boeing KC-135 Stratotankers for aerial refueling, left the Rota and Moron bases, with several landing at Ramstein Air Base in Germany and others rerouted over southern France.
Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said that while the bases are jointly operated with the U.S., they remain under Spanish sovereignty and cannot support operations outside agreed terms or the UN Charter. Defense Minister Margarita Robles confirmed that the aircraft had been permanently stationed in Spain, with FlightRadar24 showing nine tankers leaving Moron and multiple flights from Rota following other routes.
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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned unilateral strikes on Iran, describing them as escalating actions that threaten international stability. He said opposing a repressive regime does not justify risky military intervention and noted the broader dangers from Iranian missile attacks in the Gulf and Israel’s raids in Lebanon. Sánchez warned that “violence only generates more violence” while positioning Spain as a critic of U.S. and Israeli military actions.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar criticized Spain, accusing it of siding with Iran, a claim Albares dismissed as absurd. The Iranian embassy in Madrid welcomed Spain’s stance, citing alignment with UN principles. Spain’s position contrasts with the UK, which allowed U.S. operations from British bases under “collective self-defense.” Within the EU, Spain remains an outlier, as most member states condemned Iranian attacks without referencing U.S.-Israeli strikes.
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Through its actions, Spain has reinforced sovereignty over domestic military installations and clarified that unilateral operations against Iran are not permitted. Analysts say the government’s stance emphasizes adherence to international law and attempts to prevent further escalation in the volatile Middle East. Observers suggest Spain’s position could influence EU debate on military engagement in the region.