Spain Refuses US Military Operations Amid Rising Tensions

Spain has relocated 15 US aircraft from its military bases in the south, reflecting escalating tensions between the two nations. The Spanish government has firmly stated that its bases will not be utilized for any military operations linked to strikes on Iran.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the proposed military actions against Iran, labeling them a breach of international law. In a statement, Sanchez emphasized, “one can oppose a hateful regime and, at the same time, oppose an unjustified and dangerous military intervention.” This stance highlights Spain’s commitment to international norms and its reluctance to engage in military conflicts.

Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs Jose Manuel Albares reiterated the government’s position, stating, “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.” This declaration underscores Spain’s adherence to international agreements and its sovereignty over military operations within its territory.

Relations between Spain and the US have been strained in recent years, influenced by various factors including migration policies and Spain’s refusal to increase its defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, as urged by NATO. The US had a trade surplus with Spain for the fourth consecutive year in 2025, amounting to $4.8 billion, with US exports to Spain reaching $26.1 billion and imports at $21.3 billion.

Former US President Donald Trump has criticized Spain for its refusal to allow military operations, threatening to cut off all trade with the country. Trump stated, “We’re going to cut off all trade with Spain. We don’t want anything to do with Spain.” This comment reflects the heightened tensions and potential economic repercussions stemming from the military dispute.

Historically, Spain has blocked US military actions and has previously refused to allow arms shipments to Israel, indicating a long-standing pattern of cautious engagement with US military initiatives. The Spanish government has maintained that it will neither allow the use of its bases for attacks against Iran nor for any operations that contravene international law.

As the situation develops, observers are closely monitoring the implications for US-Spain relations and the potential impact on trade agreements. The Spanish government has reiterated its commitment to comply with international law and bilateral EU-US trade agreements, signaling a desire to maintain economic ties despite military disagreements.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the future of military cooperation between the two nations, as both sides navigate the complexities of international relations and domestic policies.