Spain Denies Allowing U.S. to Use Military Bases for Iran Operations
A diplomatic dispute has emerged between the United States and Spain after Madrid denied claims from the White House that it had agreed to support U.S. military operations related to the conflict with Iran.
Jose Manuel Albares, Spain’s foreign minister, rejected the assertion that Spain had changed its stance on the use of Spanish bases by American forces. Speaking to radio station Cadena Ser, Albares said the government’s position «has not changed one iota.»
The denial came shortly after White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt suggested that Spain had agreed to cooperate with U.S. military planning.
Tensions between the two allies intensified after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to cut off trade with Spain following Madrid’s refusal to allow the United States to use jointly operated bases in southern Spain for strikes not authorised under the UN charter.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has strongly criticised the U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran, describing them as «unjustifiable» and warning that the conflict could destabilise the Middle East.
Spain hosts several strategic installations shared with the US, including the naval base at Naval Station Rota and the air base at Moron Air Base. However, both facilities remain under Spanish command, meaning their use for military operations requires approval from Madrid.
The dispute has also raised concerns about potential economic repercussions. Spain is a member of the European Union, which negotiates trade agreements collectively on behalf of its 27 member states, making any unilateral US trade restrictions more complex to implement.
Spanish business groups have urged calm, emphasising that the United States remains a key economic partner and expressing hope that the disagreement will not disrupt trade relations between the two countries.
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