Madrid denies shifting stance on US military bases after Trump threats

2026-03-04 - 20:42

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares delivered a firm rebuke Wednesday to White House assertions that Madrid had reversed its position on military cooperation with the United States amid escalating tensions over Iran. Speaking on Cadena SER radio, Albares insisted that Spain's stance regarding the conflict in the Middle East and the use of its military installations "has not changed by a single comma," directly contradicting claims emanating from Washington. White House claims cooperation, Madrid pushes back The diplomatic clash erupted after White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt told reporters that Spain had agreed to cooperate with US military forces following Trump's threat to sever all trade with the European ally. "With respect to Spain, I think they heard the president's message yesterday loud and clear, and it's my understanding ... they've agreed to cooperate with the US military," Leavitt stated, adding that American forces were coordinating with their Spanish counterparts. The remarks suggested a significant policy shift by Madrid, which had previously prohibited the US from using bases on its territory to launch attacks against Iran. Trump threatens trade war with NATO ally The confrontation began Tuesday when Trump delivered an ultimatum to Spain from the Oval Office while hosting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. "We're going to cut off all trade with Spain. We don't want anything to do with Spain," the former president declared, responding to Madrid's refusal to permit American use of Spanish military installations for operations against Iranian targets. The threat represented an extraordinary escalation against a NATO partner and raised questions about the future of bilateral relations. Spain maintains principled stance on regional conflict Madrid's position reflects growing European discomfort with the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran, which since Saturday has reportedly killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and hundreds of others. While Spain remains a committed NATO ally fulfilling its defensive obligations, the government has drawn a clear line against facilitating offensive operations that could expand the conflict. Albares's categorical denial of any policy shift underscores Madrid's determination to maintain its sovereign decision-making regarding the use of its territory for foreign military operations, even in the face of significant economic pressure from Washington.