Spain Stands Firm Against U.S. Military Use of Bases Amid Iran Conflict, Defying Trump
Seville, Spain – A deepening rift between the United States and Spain is escalating as Madrid refuses to allow U.S. forces to utilize two jointly operated military bases in southern Spain for operations related to the ongoing conflict in Iran. The firm stance, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has drawn sharp criticism from Washington, including threats of trade repercussions from President Trump.
Spain’s Defense Minister, Margarita Robles, reiterated Thursday that the bases in Rota and Morón will not be used for military actions, directly contradicting claims made by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Wednesday. Leavitt had suggested Spain had agreed to cooperate with the U.S. military, a statement Robles swiftly dismissed as inaccurate.
“The facts are clear,” Robles told Cadena SER Radio. “The Spanish government is not going to authorize the use of the bases… No single country should act as a guardian of the world. We have international rules.”
The dispute was ignited by President Trump’s Tuesday declaration that he would cut off all trade with Spain if it did not grant access to its military installations. The U.S. military had already relocated over a dozen refueling aircraft from the Spanish bases over the weekend, anticipating the continued refusal.
Prime Minister Sánchez defended his government’s position Wednesday, emphasizing a commitment to international law and a diplomatic resolution. “We say no to breaking the international law that protects us all,” Sánchez stated, without directly naming Trump. “No to accepting that the world can only solve its problems through conflicts and bombs.” He called for the U.S., Israel, and Iran to pursue a diplomatic exit to the conflict.
The bases in Andalusia have been utilized by the U.S. since 1953, serving as a crucial strategic point for operations in the Middle East. Morón de la Frontera houses an air base, while Rota is home to a U.S. Navy facility.
While the Spanish government maintains its opposition to facilitating military action, it is taking steps to ensure regional security. The Defense Ministry announced Thursday the deployment of its most advanced warship, the Cristóbal Colón, to the Mediterranean to join forces with France and Greece.
The escalating tensions come as European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned of the potential for wider escalation and “unpredictable consequences” stemming from the conflict. She affirmed the EU is “taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety of EU citizens in the region.”
The conflict has also sparked internal political debate within Spain. While Sánchez’s Socialist Party leads a coalition government supporting his stance, the conservative Popular Party has voiced support for the U.S. and Israeli military campaign and criticized Sánchez’s opposition.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
