American fighter jets will not be allowed to use the Austrian airspace for missions against Iran.
The Alpine nation has reportedly blocked the US from using its airspace after an announcement by its Ministry of Defence today.
Austria said the US will not have permission for military operations against Iran.
This is due to the country’s neutrality law, which bans Austria from joining any military alliances like Nato or allowing foreign military bases on its territory.
While the ministry didn’t reveal the number of inquiries from the US, it said there has been ‘several,’ according to the Austrian publication ORF.
However, individual cases would be reviewed together with the Austrian foreign ministry.
Sven Hergovich, the head of the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ), which is part of the coalition, said the defence minister should ‘not approve a single further US military flight to the Gulf.’
He said: ‘Nor should she approve any transport flights or other logistical support. Just as Spain, France, Italy, and Switzerland are doing. This war is damaging Austrian economic interests, Europe as a whole, and world peace.’
It comes after Spain decided to block US warplanes from its airpaces involved in Operation Epic Fury in the Middle East.
Spain blocked US fighter jets stationed in third countries like the UK and France from using its airspace.
What is the Austrian neutrality law?
Austria was named a neutral state following the atrocities of the Second World War, which had seen the country annexed as part of Nazi Germany.
When Germany was split into West Germany, a NATO member, and East Germany under the Soviet influence, tiny Austria became a united and independent country with permanent neutrality codified in law in 1955.
The law means neutrality needs to be maintained and protected.
In practice, it prohibits Austria from joining military organisations like NATO, and hosting any foreign soldiers and military bases in the country.
Austrian personnel have been on the ground in previous conflicts like the international mission in Afghanistan.
Austrian personnel took part in the NATO-led ISAF troops, but their role was strictly in peace-supporting, non-combat roles.
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