A diplomatic row between the United States and Spain over the war in Iran escalated on Wednesday after the two governments issued directly conflicting statements about whether Spanish military bases would be made available to U.S. forces for operations in the Middle East. A White House spokesperson said Madrid had agreed to assist the U.S., but Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares immediately denied any change in Spain’s stance.
“I can refute (the White House spokesperson),” Albares told Cadena Ser radio, saying “the position of the Spanish government regarding the war in the Middle East, the bombing of Iran and the use of our bases has not changed one iota.” His remarks came shortly after White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said she understood “they’ve agreed to cooperate with the U.S. military” and that U.S. forces were coordinating with their Spanish counterparts.
The dispute followed a tense exchange that began on Tuesday when former President Donald Trump, reacting to Spain’s refusal to allow U.S. use of jointly operated bases in southern Spain for strikes not covered by the U.N. Charter, threatened to “cut off all trade with Spain.” Trump also said, referring to the Rota and Morón bases, “we could use their base if we want” and “we could just fly in and use it.”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has publicly opposed the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, calling the attacks “unjustifiable” and “dangerous.” In a nationally televised address he warned that the conflict risked “playing Russian roulette” with millions of lives and declared, “In short, the position of the government of Spain can be summarized in four words: No to the war.” Sánchez added that Spain would not “be complicit in something that is bad for the world” out of fear of reprisals.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC that a trade embargo against Spain “would be a combination effort” and suggested Spain’s refusal to permit base use put American lives at risk. Brussels said the European Union would defend its interests and work to stabilize transatlantic trade ties, noting that trade policy is negotiated at the EU level for its 27 members.
Spanish business groups urged calm, calling the U.S. a “key partner,” while the Bank of Spain has said bilateral trade with the U.S. represents about 4.4% of Spain’s GDP, with exports to the U.S. equal to roughly 1% of GDP (about €16 billion). The dispute marks the latest tension between Madrid and Washington amid disagreements over foreign policy and defense commitments.
Original Source: https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/iran-israel-war-spain-denies-us-military-cooperation-on-iran-contradicting-white-house-11169592#publisher=newsstand
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Publish Date: 2026-03-05 02:12:00
