US Claims Spain Will Allow Its Bases to Be Used Against Iran After Trump's Threat, Foreign Minister Denies

Republika.co.id, Madrid — The diplomatic relations between the United States and Spain have deteriorated into a crisis after the two countries exchanged contradictory statements regarding the use of military bases. Madrid explicitly refused to grant permission for the US armed forces to use facilities on its territory to launch operations in the Middle East. The dispute escalated on Wednesday (4 March 2026) when the White House claimed that the Spanish government had softened and was willing to help the US. However, the statement was strongly denied by Spain’s Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares. “I reject the White House spokesperson’s statement,” Albares asserted in an interview with Cadena Ser radio station as reported by AP News, Thursday (5 March 2026). “The Spanish government’s position on the war in the Middle East, the bombing of Iran, and the use of our bases has not changed one iota.” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez underscored his government’s principles by stating that his administration will not “be a pawn in something that is bad for the world.”