Spain and Italy refuse US warplanes access to their airspace and bases for Iran conflict

Two major European allies have denied the United States access to their airspace and military facilities for operations linked to the Iran conflict, a move that is exposing growing divisions within the Western military alliance.

According to reports, both Spain and Italy declined requests that would allow U.S. aircraft involved in the war to pass through their airspace or use key military bases.

The decision has complicated logistical planning for the United States as it continues military operations in the Middle East.

Officials in Spain announced that American warplanes participating in the conflict would not be allowed to fly through Spanish airspace or operate from Spanish military installations. The move effectively blocks the use of strategic bases such as the Rota naval base and Morón Air Base, which are jointly used by Spanish and American forces.

Spain’s government has been openly critical of the military campaign against Iran and has argued that its territory should not be used for operations related to the war.

Italy has taken a similar position. Authorities in Rome reportedly refused permission for U.S. aircraft to use the Naval Air Station Sigonella in Sicily for missions linked to the conflict.

The base is one of the United States’ most important strategic facilities in the Mediterranean and has historically been used for surveillance and logistical operations across the Middle East and North Africa.

Italian officials said the restriction follows domestic legal procedures that require parliamentary approval before the country’s territory can be used for direct combat operations.

The developments highlight increasing tension inside NATO, the military alliance that has traditionally presented a united front on major global security issues.

Several European governments have faced political pressure at home to avoid involvement in the Iran war, with critics arguing that the conflict could destabilise the region and escalate into a wider confrontation.

The refusal by Spain and Italy has reportedly forced American military planners to reroute some flights and reconsider logistical arrangements for operations in the region.

The disagreement also comes at a sensitive moment for the alliance as tensions continue to rise in the Middle East and energy markets remain volatile due to fears of disruption to global oil supplies.

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While the United States continues its military campaign, the reluctance of key NATO members to provide operational support signals that the alliance may be facing one of its most serious internal disagreements in years.