Fifteen United States military aircraft have departed from American-operated bases in southern Spain after the Spanish government declared its territory would not be used for military operations targeting Iran, officials and flight tracking data showed on Monday.
According to information from flight monitoring platform FlightRadar24 reported by Reuters’, the aircraft left the Rota Naval Base and Morón Air Base following joint US-Israeli strikes against Iran over the weekend that significantly escalated tensions across the Middle East.
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said Madrid had made its position clear to Washington, stressing that military facilities located in Spain although jointly operated with the United States remain under Spanish sovereignty and cannot be used for attacks not aligned with international law.
“Spanish bases are not being used for this operation, and they will not be used for anything not included in the agreement with the United States or for anything that is not in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations,” Albares said during an interview with Spanish broadcaster Telecinco.
Flight tracking maps indicated that at least seven of the departing aircraft landed at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, while others were redirected toward France and undisclosed destinations.
Most of the aircraft involved were aerial refuelling tankers, including the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, which had been permanently stationed at Spanish bases, according to Defence Minister Margarita Robles.
Data showed nine tanker aircraft leaving Morón Air Base on Sunday bound for Germany, while two additional flights departed from Rota toward southern France.
The routes of four other aircraft were not publicly visible.
Spain has strongly condemned the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, positioning itself differently from several Western allies.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s government has emphasized adherence to international law and diplomatic restraint amid the rapidly expanding regional conflict.
Madrid’s refusal to allow the use of its bases contrasts with Britain’s evolving stance.
The United Kingdom initially declined participation but later authorised the use of its facilities after Prime Minister Keir Starmer approved involvement under what London described as “collective self-defence.”
Analysts say Spain’s position could create renewed diplomatic friction with Washington at a time when NATO allies are navigating differing responses to the escalating crisis in the Middle East.
The redeployment of US aircraft comes as military exchanges continue across the region following the weekend strikes, raising concerns about broader international involvement and the potential expansion of hostilities beyond the Middle East.
Governments across Europe are closely monitoring developments as military movements and diplomatic divisions underscore growing uncertainty surrounding the conflict’s next phase.
REUTERS.
