Editorial: Why Berlin Might Reconsider Ramstein – Following the Lead of Spain and Italy
In the escalating U.S.-led military campaign against Iran, two key NATO allies have drawn a firm line. Spain has not only barred American forces from its jointly operated bases at Rota and Morón but, as of March 30, 2026, has closed its airspace entirely to any U.S. aircraft involved in operations tied to the conflict. Italy has similarly refused permission for American planes to use the strategically vital Sigonella air base. These decisions have forced the rerouting of U.S. tankers, drones, and support aircraft—many of which have landed at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. Yet while Washington continues to rely heavily on Ramstein as its central European command hub for drone strikes and missile coordination, Berlin now faces mounting pressure to ask itself the same question Madrid and Rome have already answered: Is this use of sovereign territory compatible with…

