The Spanish government this week issued a fiery defense of its refusal to allow the United States to use its military bases in the ongoing Iran war.The Trump administration has repeatedly asked NATO allies to allow use of their bases and to contribute to efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, though it has found few members of the bloc willing to assist.
Speaking to Politico, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Albares insisted that the treaties between the U.S. and Spain on the use of such bases did not allow for conflicts like the Iran war.
“This is a unilateral war. None of the [NATO] allies were consulted or informed,” he said. “We don’t know what’s going on. Neither Spain nor any other country. Even more reason to act and defend the interests of our citizens.”
“The use of those bases comes from an agreement, a treaty between both countries,” he also said. “And it’s very clearly stated very early in the treaty that it must be in compliance with international law and the United Nations Charter.”
Spain has, among the NATO allies, stood out in its refusals to work with the U.S. and attracted the ire of Trump himself. In late March, Spain barred U.S. military planes from using its airspace entirely.
Earlier that month, the White House insisted it had secured an agreement with Spain to use its bases, which Madrid speedily denied.
Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.
