Spain Refuses US Use of Bases for Iran Offensive, US Aircraft Withdraw from Rota and Morón

Spain Denies Permission for Iran Offensive

The Spanish government, under the leadership of President Pedro Sánchez, has officially denied the United States permission to use its jointly operated military bases in Rota and Morón for any offensive operations against Iran. This refusal, announced on March 2, 2026, stems from Spain's condemnation of what it describes as 'unilateral military action' by the US and Israel against Iran, which Sánchez has labeled 'unjustified and dangerous.'

The decision has prompted the withdrawal of approximately 15 US aircraft, predominantly KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling planes, from the Spanish bases. Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 indicated that these aircraft began departing over the weekend, with at least seven confirmed to have landed at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. Other aircraft reportedly relocated to southern France.

Madrid Cites International Law and Sovereignty

Spanish officials have been explicit in their reasoning. Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares stated that the bases would 'on no account' be used for anything not covered by the agreement with the US or the UN Charter. He emphasized that while Spain desires 'democracy, freedom and fundamental rights for the Iranian people,' it would not allow its territory to be used for ongoing military action that lacks international legal backing.

Defense Minister Margarita Robles further clarified that any operations from the bases must comply with international legal frameworks and possess international support. She confirmed the withdrawal of the tanker aircraft, noting that the US military made the 'sovereign decision' to move them, likely because they would not be conducting support operations from Spain.

Geopolitical Implications and European Divergence

Spain's stance places it in contrast with some of its European allies, including the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, who have shown a willingness to support US actions or undertake 'proportionate defensive action' in response to Iranian attacks. President Sánchez has been a vocal critic of US and Israeli military interventions in the region, including the war in Gaza, and has warned that such unilateral actions contribute to 'a more hostile and uncertain international order.'

The bases at Rota Naval Base and Morón Air Base are jointly operated by Spain and the United States but remain under Spanish sovereignty, granting Madrid the final say on their use. This is not the first instance of Spain limiting US military movements; in September 2025, Spain reportedly blocked the transit of US arms bound for Israel through these same bases.

Strategic Setback for US Operations

The withdrawal of these key aerial refueling assets represents a 'strategic and logistical setback' for US military efforts in the region. The relocation of the tanker planes underscores Spain's firm commitment to its foreign policy principles, prioritizing international law and de-escalation over direct military involvement in the conflict with Iran.