Fifteen U.S. military aircraft have departed Spanish bases following Madrid's refusal to allow them to be used for operations against Iran, according to flight tracking data. The aircraft left Rota and Moron bases after Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares declared Spain would not permit its territory for attacks on Iran, which the government has condemned.

FlightRadar24 data showed at least seven aircraft landed at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, while others flew to France. The aircraft, primarily Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker refuelling planes, had been permanently stationed at the Spanish bases. Spain's stance mirrors initial British reluctance before Prime Minister Keir Starmer authorized base use for collective self-defense.

Spain's position creates diplomatic tension with Washington, as Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has emphatically condemned U.S.-Israeli actions in Iran. Defence Minister Margarita Robles emphasized the aircraft were leaving because Spanish bases cannot be used for operations outside their bilateral agreement with the United States or those violating the United Nations Charter. This makes Spain an outlier in the region as military cooperation faces new strains.