Spain closes airspace to US planes involved in Iran war

MADRID: Spain has closed its airspace to US planes involved in attacks on Iran, ​a step beyond its previous denial of use ‌of jointly operated military bases, Spanish newspaper El País reported on Monday, citing military sources.

The closure of its airspace, ​which forces military planes to bypass NATO ​member Spain en route to their targets ⁠in the Middle East, does not include ​emergencies, El País added.

The Spanish Ministry of ​Defence did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

"This decision is part of the decision already made by ​the Spanish government not to participate in ​or contribute to a war which was initiated unilaterally and ‌against ⁠international law," Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo said during an interview with radio Cadena Ser when asked if the decision to close Spain's airspace could ​worsen relations ​with the ⁠United States.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has been one of the most ​vocal opponents of the US and ​Israeli ⁠attacks on Iran, describing them as reckless and illegal.

President Donald Trump has threatened to cut trade with ⁠Madrid ​for denying the US use ​of Spain's bases in the war.

Suspected Iranian drones, rockets strike US bases in northeastern Syria

Suspected Iranian drones and rockets targeted bases hosting US forces in northeastern Syria on Sunday, causing material damage but no casualties, a war monitor said.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said a rocket struck the Qasrak base in Hasakah province, followed by drone attacks around midnight and at dawn. US air defences intercepted several drones, while other projectiles hit the site, causing damage, it said.

The monitor said the Kharab al-Jir base near Rmeilan was also hit by multiple rockets early Sunday, some intercepted and others reaching their targets, with no immediate reports of casualties. Two additional drones were shot down near residential areas in Hasakah, it added. The attacks prompted heightened alert and increased aerial activity.

UN Secretary-General strongly condemns killing of UN peacekeeper in Lebanon

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the killing of an Indonesian peacekeeper of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) amid hostilities late Sunday between Israel and Hezbollah.

"This is just one of a number of recent incidents that have jeopardised the safety & security of peacekeepers," he said on the US social media company X’s platform.

Guterres called on all parties to uphold their obligations under international law and to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property.

Earlier, UNIFIL said in a statement that a peacekeeper was "tragically" killed Sunday when a projectile exploded at a UNIFIL position near the southern Lebanese village of Adchit al-Qusayr. Another was critically injured.

UNIFIL said it does not know the origin of the projectile.

"We have launched an investigation to determine all of the circumstances," it said.

Israel has pounded Lebanon with airstrikes and launched a ground offensive in southern Lebanon since a cross-border attack by the Hezbollah group on March 2.

The region has been on alert since the US and Israel launched an air offensive on Iran on Feb. 28, killing more than 1,340 people so far, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, along with Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.

EU reaffirms solidarity with Gulf countries amid Mideast conflict

European Council President Antonio Costa reaffirmed on Sunday the bloc's solidarity with Gulf countries amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

"The EU stands in solidarity with the Gulf Cooperation Council countries in the face of continued Iranian airstrikes and drone attacks targeting civilians and infrastructure in the region. These attacks must stop immediately," Costa wrote on the US social media platform X.

His remarks came after he held a phone call with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, where he reiterated the EU's support for the oil-rich emirate.

"The EU continues to urge all parties to de-escalate and give diplomacy a chance, in the interest of security and stability in the Middle East," Costa added.

The US and Israel have launched airstrikes on Iran since Feb. 28, killing over 1,400 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, along with Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.