Austria rejects US request to use its airspace for attacking Iran

Istanbul (ANTARA) - Austria has rejected a request from the United States to use its airspace to launch military operations against Iran, citing the country’s legal framework of neutrality.

On Thursday (2/4), a spokesperson for the Austrian Ministry of Defence confirmed several requests from Washington but did not specify the exact number, according to a report by Austria’s public broadcaster, ORF.

Austria, which upholds a long-standing policy of military neutrality, has not imposed a general ban on US flights but is reviewing requests on a case-by-case basis, according to the ministry.

The opposition Social Democratic Party (SPO) has also called on the government to maintain its current position.

“Defence Minister Klaudia Tanner (OVP) should not approve a single US military flight to the Gulf. She should also not approve any transport or logistical support flights,” said Sven Hergovich, head of the SPO in Lower Austria.

“Just like Spain, France, Italy, and Switzerland have done. This war damages Austria’s economic interests, Europe’s as a whole, and world peace,” he added.

Earlier this week, Spain was reported to have closed its airspace to military flights related to the conflict, while Italy rejected a US aircraft request to land at a base in Sicily.

The US and Israel have been conducting airstrikes against Iran since 28 February 2026. The strikes have killed more than 1,340 people, including Iran’s Supreme Leader at the time, Ali Khamenei.

Tehran subsequently retaliated with drone and missile attacks targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf states hosting US military assets—causing casualties and infrastructure damage, as well as disrupting global markets and aviation.