Spain Blocks U.S. Arms Transit to Israel: A Chronology of Rota and Moron Restrictions
Recently on 29th Sept’ 2025, Spain took measures on its Rota and Moron bases by banning USA ships carrying weapons to Israel. In our earlier blog we have mentioned how Spain becomes first EU country to ban arms carrying vessel destined for Israel. Earlier on different instances Spain has banned the movement of ships carrying Weapons to Israel through its ports and land.
Rota naval base (Cádiz) and Moron de la Frontera air base (Seville) These are bases used by USA but the land is under Spanish sovereignty.
Background of the bases legal frame work –
In the year 1988 a defense cooperation Agreement was signed between USA and Spain which authority to USA to certain Spanish bases, airspace, ports etc. but the agreement also includes clauses about authorization, especially around “controversial” cargo or flights and through it Spain retains certain veto rights. Thus in this case, the decision taken by Spain would be final.
Date | What Happened |
Oct-23 | Spain banned new export licenses of Spanish-made weapons to Israel |
May-24 | Spain refuses docking of the ship Marianne Danica (carrying arms to Israel) at Cartagena port |
Nov-24 | Maersk container ships (names include Maersk Denver, Maersk Seletar) banned entry at port as they were carrying weapons to Israel |
September 8, 2025 | Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announces new measures against Israel |
September 8, 2025 | Spain started legal process for embargo of all ships moving to Israel which are carrying weapons. |
September 29, 2025 | Spain formally prohibits transit via Rota & Moron bases of U.S. aircraft & vessels carrying arms destined for Israel |
We mentioned in our earlier blog, that these cases would increase.
Will keep you updated.
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