Spain agrees to cooperate with US military operations against Iran after initial refusal: White House

The White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt claimed that Spain agreed to cooperate with the United States (U.S.) in its attacks on Iran, following its initial refusal to allow the use of its military bases for such actions.

Earlier, President Trump threatened to cut trade ties with Spain after the European country openly criticised the U.S.-Israeli military aggression against Iran.

In a press briefing on Wednesday, March 4, Leavitt said: “I ⁠think they heard the president’s message yesterday ​loud and clear. It is my understanding ​over the past several hours they’ve agreed to cooperate with the US military.”

Spain has not yet responded to the White House’s claim.

Spain refuses to allow the use of its bases for attacks on Iran:

Earlier, U.S. jets departed the jointly operated bases in Spain after it refused to allow their use for attacks on Iran.

Spain’s socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the U.S.-Israeli joint “unilateral” military actions against Iran and also criticised Iran’s subsequent retaliation.

He called for immediate de-escalation and return to the dialogue table to achieve a lasting political solution to the situation.

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares confirmed that the jointly operated bases, which remain under Spanish sovereignty, will not be used in the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran.

In an interview with Spanish broadcaster Telecinco, Albares said, “Spanish bases are not being used for this operation, and they will not be used for anything not included in the agreement with the United States or for anything that is not in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations.”

President Trump threatens to cut all trade with Spain:

Following Spain’s criticism, the U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday, “Spain has been terrible.”

During his meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump said that he had directed the U.S. Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent to cut all dealing with Spain.

He added, “We’re going to cut off all trade with Spain. We don’t want anything to do with Spain.”

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian praises Spain:

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian praised Spain’s principled stance. 

In a tweet on X (formerly Twitter), the 71-year-old wrote, “Spain’s responsible conduct in opposing the Zionist-American coalition’s flagrant human rights violations and military aggression against countries, including Iran, shows that ethics and awakened consciences still exist in the West.”

He added, “I commend Spanish officials for their stances.”