Spain Prohibits US Arms Transit to Israel Through Rota and Morón Bases

Spain Asserts Sovereignty Over Military Bases

Spain has officially prohibited the transit of US military aircraft and vessels carrying arms, ammunition, or equipment destined for Israel through its military bases at Rota (Cádiz) and Morón de la Frontera (Seville). The decision was reported on Monday, September 29, 2025, by Spanish daily El País, citing sources familiar with the functioning of the US-Spain Joint Committee.

Spanish officials emphasized that both Rota and Morón remain sovereign Spanish bases under Spanish command, and all activity requires authorization from Madrid. Sources stated, 'Rota and Moron are not a backdoor,' highlighting that controversial shipments, such as arms bound for Israel, fall under restrictions outlined in the 1988 defense cooperation agreement between Spain and the United States. This agreement allows US forces to operate from Spanish bases under specific conditions, with Article 25 explicitly excluding missions carrying 'controversial cargo or passengers' for Spain, which require case-by-case approval.

Broader Context of Spain's Stance on Gaza Conflict

This prohibition is part of Spain's increasingly firm stance regarding the conflict in Gaza. The Spanish government has been a vocal critic of Israel's military operations, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez describing the situation as 'genocide.' Earlier in September 2025, Spain enacted a comprehensive arms embargo on Israel, which included:

• Prohibition of all exports of defense material and dual-use products or technologies to Israel.
• Ban on the import of such equipment into Spain.
• Blocking requests for the transit of aircraft fuel with potential military applications.
• Prohibition of imports of products originating from Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories.

Spanish Justice Minister Félix Bolaños affirmed the government's commitment to preventing weapons used against Palestinians from reaching Israel, stating that Madrid is 'in constant communication with the US authorities' on the matter.

Implications for US Operations and Allied Relations

The ban applies to shipments bound directly for Israel or those with Israel as their final destination after intermediate stops. While Spain does not directly inspect US cargo, officials have indicated that concealing such transfers would undermine trust between allies and is impractical given the scale of US arms deliveries to Israel. An example cited was the delivery of six F-35 fighter jets to Israel earlier this year, which reportedly bypassed Spanish bases and made stopovers in the Azores before crossing the Strait of Gibraltar.

The US State Department has previously expressed concern over Spain's measures aimed at increasing pressure on Israel. However, Madrid has reaffirmed its right to block authorizations for shipments it deems politically sensitive, underscoring its independent foreign policy approach amidst the ongoing conflict.