In the skies

Europe and US planes: in Spain it's stop, from London conditional authorisations

The positions of European capitals with respect to the US need for support bases for war operations against Iran

by Letizia Giostra

1 April 2026

2' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

Key points

France, skies closed for Israeli flights carrying US weapons
Spain, Robles 'Planes and military ships only if not involved'
United Kingdom, Starmer: "London will not join this offensive action"
Germany, use of US bases in Ramstein and Spangdahlem

2' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

A few hours afterthe Italian government's failure to grant the use of Sigonella airport, major European capitals have so far adopted different attitudes towards the US need for support points for the Epic Fury operation in Iran.

Between Madrid's closed skies and London's decidedly softer line, there are the intermediate positions adopted by Paris and Berlin.

France, skies closed for Israeli flights carrying US weapons

Supporting the defence of partners within the framework of routine NATO procedures, and thus not for attack operations in Iran. It was on 5 March that France clarified the acceptance of US military support aircraft, for which the base at Istres and Avord was only authorised for logistical transport.

A choice publicly reaffirmed in the following days by President Emmanuel Macron, who reiterated the transalpine state's position of acting only in a defensive capacity. A strategy also demonstrated by the decision last weekend to deny French airspace to Israeli flights carrying American weapons.

Spain, Robles 'Planes and military ships only if not involved'

The attitude adopted by the Iberian government was justified by Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles, whose hard line has been in force since 28 February, when the conflict began. The military bases of Rota and Morón remain operational, while the passage of US military aircraft and ships is only allowed if they are not directly involved in the Middle East conflict.

Speaking to the Joint Commission on National Security, the minister admitted that the decision dates back to when the US had 'unexpectedly and without warning' undertaken the attack on Iran.

"Our bases will be available for any operation that serves collective defence, but never for an attack on international law," are the words of Robles.

United Kingdom, Starmer: 'London will not join this offensive action'

The position of the British government, led by Labour's Keir Starmer, is different. Already on 1 March, in the aftermath of the first bombing raids on Iranian territories, the Prime Minister had in fact announced that Washington would be allowed to use British military bases to strike Tehran-controlled missile sites, although he specified that London would not join the offensive position.

Twenty days later, the UK had then expanded the scope of this authorisation to include attacks against Iranian targets threatening the Strait of Hormuz, while continuing to brand these operations as 'defensive'.

Germany, use of US bases in Ramstein and Spangdahlem

Berlin's position remains unclear. Spokesman Stefan Kornelius explained that the use of the US bases in Ramstein and Spangdahlem are based on 'legally valid' agreements and treaties.

The extent to which Ramstein, the headquarters of the US air force in Europe, is in the Middle East has to be defined. However, here comes the clarification from the Foreign Ministry, emphasising that Germany is not planning any acts of aggression against Tehran.