Spain publicly challenged the United States on Wednesday over the use of a shared military facility for operations against Iran. Spanish officials flatly denied White House assertions that Madrid had agreed to cooperate in any offensive targeting Tehran.
Pedro Sánchez, the Spanish Prime Minister, rejected the claim through his office. “Spain has not been asked, nor has it granted, authorization for the use of Spanish bases or airspace for any military operation against Iran,” his spokesperson stated. The statement came hours after the White House suggested Spain stood ready to assist American forces.
Karoline Leavitt, the White House Press Secretary, told reporters earlier that day that Spain “will allow the US to use its military bases for operations against Iran.” She did not provide details about which facilities or the scope of the proposed cooperation. Her comments appeared to catch Spanish diplomats off guard.
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares contacted US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to demand clarification. Albares emphasized that Spain operates under strict constitutional limits regarding military engagement. Any use of Spanish territory for offensive operations requires explicit parliamentary approval, he noted.
The clash exposed rifts within NATO as member states navigate competing pressures. Spain hosts Morón Air Base and Naval Station Rota, both critical hubs for US operations in Europe and Africa. Washington maintains approximately 3,000 troops across Spanish installations.
Spain previously restricted use of its bases during the 2003 Iraq invasion. Prime Minister José María Aznar faced domestic backlash for supporting that conflict despite public opposition. The current leftist government has signaled it will not repeat that approach.
The dispute unfolded amid heightened anxiety over potential Israeli or American strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities. Tehran warned this week that it would retaliate against any aggression with attacks on regional bases hosting US forces. Spanish officials expressed concern that premature announcements could endanger personnel.
NATO officials in Brussels declined to comment on the specific disagreement. The alliance maintains that individual members control national territory access. Spain contributes troops to NATO missions but retains veto power over bilateral base arrangements.
Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles reinforced the government’s stance during a parliamentary session. “No request has been received, and no authorization has been given,” she declared. Robles added that Spain supports diplomatic solutions to the Iranian nuclear issue.
The White House did not immediately retract Leavitt’s statement. A National Security Council spokesperson said only that consultations with allies continue. The Pentagon referred questions to the State Department.
