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Spain has shut its airspace to flights involved in Operation Epic Fury.
The European country is blocking US jets stationed in third countries, such as the UK or France, from using its airspace in the war against Iran, according to El Pais.
The decision has complicated Trump’s attempt to oust the Iranian regime and occasionally forced B-52 and B01 bombers flying from the UK to change their route to the Middle East.
Spain had already denied permission for American fighter planes or refuelling aircrafts to use their air bases in Cadiz and Seville.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez first hinted at the decision last Wednesday: ‘We have denied the United States the use of the Rota and Morón air bases for this illegal war.
‘All flight plans contemplating actions related to the operation in Iran have been rejected. All of them, including those for refuelling aircraft.’
Spanish authorities will reportedly make an exception for emergency situations when their countries airspace is needed.
The airspace closure has frustrated Operation Epic Fury for US bombers flying fron RAF Fairford in the UK to the Gulf.
In some cases when their jets have not been able to fly over France—either because Paris has not authorized it due to the cargo or for operational reasons—they have been forced to fly all the way around Iberian Peninsula to enter through the Strait of Gibraltar.
These jets are forced to refuel with tanker aircraft stationed in Lajes Air Base in the Azores, Portugal.
The ban has not extended to US naval ships stationed in the Rota naval base in Cadiz, which have played a crucial role in the conflict.
The USS Oscar Austin , the USS Roosevelt , and the USS Burkeley have been deployed to the Eastern Mediterranean to protect Israel from revenge strikes launched by Iran.
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