White House claims Spain reversed refusal to allow US military use of bases for Iran attack, while Madrid firmly denies any change in position.
White House Claims Spanish Cooperation
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced on Wednesday that the Spanish government has agreed to cooperate with the US military after initially refusing to allow American forces to use their bases in southern Spain during the attack on Iran.
“Regarding Spain, I think yesterday they clearly heard the president’s message, and if I understand correctly, in the last few hours they have agreed to cooperate with the American army,” said Leavitt.
The spokesperson emphasized that the US expects support from all of Europe. “I know the US military is coordinating with their counterparts in Spain, but the president expects all of our European allies to cooperate in this long-awaited mission, not just for the United States but for Europe, to destroy the Iranian regime, which I repeat threatens not only America but our European allies,” she added.
Spain as Both Ally and Sovereign Nation
“I firmly deny this,” Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said in an interview for radio Cadena SER. “The Spanish government’s position on the war in the Middle East, bombings in Iran, and the use of our bases has not changed in the slightest,” added the politician.
Albares noted that the Rota and Morón bases are on Spanish territory and under Spanish jurisdiction. “Spain is an ally of the United States. Our commitment is unquestionable, but Spain is also a sovereign and independent country,” said the minister.
“No” to Iran Attacks from Spanish Bases
US and Israel attacked Iran on Saturday, February 28. In response, the Iranian military is shelling US bases in the Persian Gulf region.
On Monday, Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles announced that two military bases in southern Spain, used by US forces for decades, are not providing assistance to the US army in its offensive against Iran.
Robles emphasized that assistance can only be provided within the framework of international law. She reminded that the US-Spanish agreement regarding base use does not allow the American military to act unilaterally without international frameworks.
