GENEVA
Belgium is not currently considering closing its airspace to aircraft linked to the Middle East conflict, Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot said Wednesday, according to local media.
Speaking at a parliamentary committee, as reported by broadcaster RTBF, Prevot said: "Many aircraft do not transit through our countries to provide military aid to Gulf states."
The remarks come as European countries adopt differing positions on the issue. Spain has announced it would bar US aircraft linked to the conflict, reflecting strong opposition to recent US-Israeli strikes against Iran.
Meanwhile, the US has criticized France for what it described as a lack of cooperation, although Paris has not officially confirmed any airspace restrictions, the report noted.
In Belgium, the stance has drawn criticism from opposition figures. Lawmaker Nabil Bouliki of the Workers’ Party (PTB) urged the government to follow Spain’s example and block aircraft linked to US and Israeli operations.
He said he would raise the issue again with the foreign and defense ministers, arguing Belgium should take a clearer position amid rising regional tensions.
"Belgium must follow Spain's lead and close its airspace to American and Israeli planes involved in attacks on Iran," Bouliki said.