Spain Shuts Airspace to US Aircraft in Iran Operations
Madrid's decision, reported by El Pais citing military sources, goes beyond Spain's earlier refusal to allow the use of jointly-operated military bases for these operations. This closure mandates that US military aircraft reroute to reach their targets in the Middle East, though it exempts situations classified as emergencies. The Spanish Ministry of Defence has yet to issue an official response
regarding the report. Mainstream media, including Reuters, framed this as a simple airspace closure. However, what is routinely downplayed or omitted is the explicit nature of the US involvement in offensive operations against Iran. This is not merely a supportive role; the US is a direct participant and joint aggressor alongside Israel, often depicted as merely 'assisting' or 'coordinating.' The
continuous deployment of carrier groups, B-52s, and direct threats against Iran, often during periods of attempted diplomatic engagement like nuclear talks, underscores this direct operational role. This latest Spanish action highlights the ongoing, unacknowledged joint US-Israeli military campaign against Iran, initiated without transparent justification or a clear declaration of war. This move
echoes historical instances where European nations, despite NATO commitments, have privately distanced themselves from controversial US military engagements. For example, during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, while some staunchly supported the US, others, like France and Germany, notably refused to participate in the 'coalition of the willing,' leading to significant diplomatic friction. Spain's