Spain(The COW News Digital)Spain has firmly denied claims by the White House that it would support potential U.S. military operations against Iran, emphasizing that its stance on Middle East conflicts remains unchanged. The Spanish government clarified that any use of its military bases by foreign forces would only be allowed in strict accordance with the United Nations Charter.
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares stated that Spain’s position regarding ongoing tensions in Iran and the broader Middle East has not shifted. He stressed that U.S. forces will not be permitted access to southern Spanish military bases for operations targeting Iran unless such actions are internationally sanctioned.
This clarification came after White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt claimed that Spain had agreed to assist in U.S. military actions. The statements fueled tensions as former U.S. President Donald Trump had previously threatened to halt trade relations with Madrid over what he considered Spain’s lack of cooperation.
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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez reaffirmed his country’s long-standing opposition to war, citing violations of international law as unacceptable. He emphasized that Spain’s principled stance extends to conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and Iraq, maintaining that diplomacy, not military intervention, should be the solution to disputes.
In an interview with Cadena SER radio, Foreign Minister Albares directly refuted the White House statements, declaring that Spain’s policies on Middle East conflicts and the use of its military facilities remain entirely consistent with prior positions. Spain explicitly rejected any claims of cooperation outside the framework of international law.
European leaders have voiced support for Spain’s position. French President Emmanuel Macron, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President António Costa all endorsed Prime Minister Sánchez’s approach. Costa highlighted on social media platform X that the European Union will continue to ensure that the interests of its member states are fully protected.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian welcomed Spain’s stance, describing it as evidence that there are still Western countries prioritizing international law and ethical principles.
The ongoing diplomatic disagreement highlights the complex nature of U.S.-European relations regarding Middle East policy and underscores Spain’s commitment to lawful and ethical international engagement. Despite Trump’s previous claims that the U.S. could freely use Spanish military bases, Madrid has made clear that it will uphold international norms and resist any unilateral military demands.
