Government refuses to disclose country that requested use of Maldivian airspace for military strikes
The Maldivian government has declined to disclose which country requested the use of its airspace to launch attacks against Iran, citing the confidential nature of bilateral communications; however, the Foreign Minister provided assurances that no country will be permitted to use Maldivian territory for offensive military operations. This development follows a formal decision by neighboring Sri Lanka to deny U.S. military aircraft access to its airspace for similar purposes.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abdulla Khaleel. | RaajjeMV | Raajje MV
The government has declined to disclose which country requested the use of Maldivian airspace in connection with the ongoing strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran.
The United States is launching military strikes against Iran using its strategic military base on Diego Garcia, located in the Chagos Archipelago south of the Maldives. The advanced stealth bombers utilized in the initial wave of attacks, which deployed bunker-buster munitions, reportedly took off from this facility. Furthermore, reports have surfaced suggesting that the Maldives has granted the U.S. military permission to utilize Maldivian airspace, as well as Kaadedhdhoo Airport, for these operations.
In response to inquiries from RaajjeTV regarding which country had requested permission to use Maldivian airspace, Foreign Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel stated that such diplomatic communications are confidential. He further clarified that information of this nature cannot be disclosed without the explicit consent of the country involved.
The first question concerns which specific countries are involved. I would like to note that details regarding such bilateral engagements are not disclosed without the prior consent of the respective nations. This is because we maintain these international relationships with the utmost respect and confidentiality.Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abdulla Khaleel
Khaleel has stated that Maldivian airspace has not been used to launch attacks against any nation. He further assured that the Maldivian government will not grant permission for such actions in the future.
Amidst rumors that the Maldives has granted the United States permission to use its airspace, Sri Lanka has announced its decision to deny a similar request from the U.S. military. Sri Lanka officially rejected a proposal from the United States to station two fighter jets at the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, located in the southern part of the country.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has formally notified Parliament of this matter, scheduled for March 20, 2026. Furthermore, he urged the legislature to uphold the nation's neutral and non-aligned foreign policy, while ensuring that the country's territory is not utilized in regional conflicts.
