TEHRAN — Spain has closed its airspace to U.S. military aircraft involved in the war with Iran, significantly expanding earlier restrictions that had been limited to American use of key bases on Spanish soil.

The move marks a sharp escalation in tensions between Madrid and Washington, following threats by Donald Trump earlier this month to suspend trade ties with Spain after it refused to support U.S. operations linked to the conflict.

Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares confirmed on Monday that Spain would block any U.S. flights associated with the war from entering its airspace. Speaking to Catalan radio station Rac 1, Albares said the decision reflects both public opposition to the conflict and Spain’s commitment to international law.

“Spain should not do anything that could escalate the war,” he said, adding that the policy aligns with the views of a majority of Spaniards and with United Nations principles.

The measure extends a prior decision to deny U.S. access to two jointly operated military installations: the naval base at Rota in Cádiz and the Morón air base near Seville. Under the new directive, the restriction applies nationwide, effectively barring all U.S. military flights tied to the conflict from Spanish airspace. Exceptions may be made in emergencies, according to Spanish military sources cited by El País.

Defense Minister Margarita Robles said Madrid had informed Washington at the outset of the war that it would not permit its territory or infrastructure to be used in military operations against Iran.

“We do not authorize either the use of military bases or the use of airspace for actions related to the war in Iran,” Robles told reporters in Madrid, reiterating the government’s position that the conflict is “illegal and unjust.”

Spain’s decision underscores growing divisions among Western allies over the Iran conflict and signals Madrid’s intent to distance itself from U.S.-led military actions in the region.