Spain Blocks US Military Flights Over Iran, Exposing NATO Rift
In a significant diplomatic move, Spain has officially closed its airspace to United States military aircraft involved in operations against Iran, specifically 'Operation Epic Fury.' The decision, confirmed by Defence Minister Margarita Robles, marks an escalation from Spain's previous stance of merely denying the use of its jointly-operated military bases. The Spanish government has been a vocal critic of the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, with officials stating the country refuses to be 'complicit in something that is bad for the world' and denouncing the conflict as an 'illegal war.' The action has exposed apparent fractures within the NATO alliance, complicating U.S. air operations by forcing reroutes from Europe. While NATO itself declined to comment, referring questions to national authorities, the incident is described as rare though not unprecedented, drawing comparisons to past instances where allies like France and Italy blocked U.S. airspace access for operations in Libya. The decision has prompted a strong reaction from U.S. officials, notably Senator Marco Rubio, who called the move 'very disappointing' and stated that the NATO alliance must be 're-examined' in light of such actions by a member state. The standoff further strains transatlantic ties and represents a firm rebuke to the U.S. administration's military strategy in the region.
Prefer swipe-first reading?
Install the app to keep reading with faster loads and a smoother mobile experience.
Sources
Spain Blocks U.S. Military Flights Over Iran Conflict, Citing International Law - Modern Diplomacy
Spain has officially closed its airspace to U.S. military aircraft involved in attacks on Iran, marking a firm escalation beyond its previous refusal to allow the use of jointly operated bases. Defence Minister Margarita Robles confirmed the move on Monday, emphasizing that the restriction ...
Spain's new decision against a NATO ally is rare, though not unprecedented. NATO did not comment, referring questions to national authorities. In an incident that strained transatlantic ties, France and Italy blocked the U.S. military from using their airspace for an operation targeting Libyan ...
Spain formally blocks its airspace access for all U.S. Air Forces aircraft involved in the ongoing conflict in Iran
In a major diplomatic rift within NATO, the Spanish government officially closed its airspace on Monday to all United States military aircraft involved in "Operation Epic Fury".
Spain closes airspace to US planes involved in attacks on Iran risking fresh row with Trump weeks after he threatened to cut trade with Madrid | Daily Mail Online
Spain has closed its airspace to US planes involved in attacks on Iran, a step beyond its previous denial of use of jointly-operated military bases.
Fact Checks
Related news
Brazilian Court Blocks Bolsonaro from Visiting Sons on Father's Day
Brazil's top court has issued a ban preventing former president Jair Bolsonaro from visiting his sons on Father's Day this Sunday. The decision enforces stricter visitation guidelines following recent legal disputes. The restrictions come after the Supreme Court ruled that the family had breached terms, with some reports noting previous actions, such as Flavio Bolsonaro reading letters online despite social media bans. Some court rulings have extended these blocks for longer periods.
IS-linked Militants Attack Congo Village; UN Imposes Sanctions on Armed Groups
An attack by militants affiliated with Islamic State-linked groups has reportedly killed at least 13 people in a village located in eastern Congo, near the border with Uganda. The region continues to face severe instability. Beyond these attacks, suspected fighters from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) have been active, and the UN Security Council recently imposed sanctions on leaders of various armed groups operating throughout eastern DRC.
Lionel Messi's Father and Agent, Jorge Messi, Dies at Age 68
Jorge Messi, the father and longtime agent of Argentine soccer legend Lionel Messi, died at the age of 68. Reports indicate he had been battling a long-term illness. Messi's father was instrumental in his son's career, having accompanied him to Europe when he signed with Barcelona as a teenager. He was widely recognized for his dedication and presence supporting Lionel throughout his professional life.
Solar eclipse to occur next week. Here is what to know (10 sources)
Solar eclipse to occur next week. Here is what to know (10 sources) This story has been covered by multiple news sources, providing comprehensive coverage from different perspectives. **www.npr.org** reports: Solar eclipse to occur next week. Here is what to know Solar eclipse to occur next week. Here is what to know : NPRBack ButtonSearch IconFilter Icon ### [Space](https://www.npr.org/sections/space/) Solar eclipse to occur next week. Here is what to know ====================================================== August 8, 20268:56 PM ET By [Chandelis Duster](https://www.npr.org/people/g-s1-23120/chandelis-duster) 
Democratic Socialist Francesca Hong Leads Wisconsin Governor Race Amid Scrutiny
Francesca Hong has emerged as a front-runner in the Wisconsin gubernatorial race, potentially making history as the state's first socialist governor. Her strong polling numbers position her as a significant figure in this critical battleground state. The campaign faces intense scrutiny regarding its democratic socialist platform and policy shifts, including evolving views on defunding police. Meanwhile, national Democratic figures have expressed skepticism about Hong’s electability, while others suggest alternative candidates may benefit from the primary outcome.
Three inmates killed in recent separate prison clashes across Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka reported that three inmates were killed and more than twenty people were injured during two separate, deadly prison clashes. The unrest has prompted the deployment of military troops to major correctional facilities, including Welikada and Magazine Prisons. Officials attribute the growing instability to severe overcrowding within the country's jail system, which is reportedly operating at capacity.
Take Yomuyo with you
Download the mobile app for personalized headlines and quick access to breaking stories.