Austria Rejects U.S. Use of Its Airspace for Actions Against Iran

Xinhua News Agency, Vienna, April 2 (Reporter Meng Fanyu) — According to reports from the Austrian news agency, the Austrian Ministry of Defense announced on the 2nd that it has rejected "multiple" requests from the United States, not allowing the U.S. to use Austrian airspace for military operations against Iran.

The report cited Austrian officials as saying that Austria should not approve any U.S. military aircraft flying over Austrian airspace to the Gulf region, including transport aircraft and other logistical support planes. "This war is harming Austria's economic interests, damaging Europe as a whole, and threatening world peace."

On March 30, the Spanish government decided to close its airspace to aircraft involved in military operations against Iran, including prohibiting relevant U.S. military aircraft stationed in other European countries from flying over Spanish airspace. Italy has also recently refused the U.S. military's use of the Sigonella military base located on Sicily. According to foreign media reports, after NATO allies refused to assist in striking Iran, U.S. President Trump is "seriously considering" withdrawing the U.S. from NATO. (End)