Spain has closed its airspace to US military jets taking part in the conflict in Iran.

According to reports, the government of Pedro Sanchez has expanded existing restrictions to block both direct and indirect involvement in the offensive launched a month ago.

The move goes beyond previous limits, as Spain is now refusing use of the US bases at Naval Station Rota and Moron Air Base, in Cadiz and Sevilla respectively.

It is also forebidding overflights by US military aircraft involved in the operation, even if they are based in allied countries such as the UK or France.

The decision has already forced US bombers to reroute flights via the Strait of Gibraltar, avoiding Spanish airspace altogether.

Spain has said it would allow access on an exceptional basis during emergency situations.

Outside of that, all military flights linked to the operation – including refuelling aircraft – are barred.

Spain’s position was first hinted at by Sanchez in Congress last week.

Now, economy minister Carlos Cuerpo has made the stance explicit.

‘This is part of Spain’s decision not to contribute to a war that goes against international law,’ he said.

Despite the move, the government insists relations with Washington remain stable.

Cuerpo said ties with the United States are ‘exactly the same as before the conflict’, stressing that Spain’s foreign policy is aligned with broader EU agreements.

He also announced plans to strengthen Spain’s economic presence in the US, with new offices set to open in Boston and Houston to support Spanish businesses.

Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.