Madrid Rejects White House Assertion of Military Cooperation in Iran Conflict

Spain has categorically rejected assertions from the White House that it has shifted its stance and agreed to provide military cooperation to the United States amid the ongoing war involving Iran.

The dispute arose after White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on Wednesday that Spanish officials had responded to recent pressure from US President Donald Trump by consenting to work with American forces. Leavitt remarked that Spain “heard the president’s message yesterday loud and clear” and that, in recent hours, Madrid had “agreed to cooperate with the US military,” with coordination now underway between the two militaries.

This claim followed Trump’s sharp criticism of Spain on Tuesday for opposing involvement in the conflict. The US president described Spain’s position as “terrible” and threatened to sever all trade relations with the European nation, vowing that Washington wanted “nothing to do with Spain.”

In a swift and unequivocal response, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares dismissed the White House statement outright. Speaking to the Hora25 radio programme, Albares declared that he “categorically” denied any change, insisting that “not a single comma has changed” in Spain’s policy. He expressed complete bafflement about the basis for the US claim, stating he had “no idea whatsoever what they might be referring to.”

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has maintained a consistent line against the war, drawing parallels to the 2003 Iraq invasion. He emphasized that Spain, Europe, and the world had previously endured the consequences of an “illegal war in the Middle East” driven by a few “irresponsible leaders,” which only generated insecurity and suffering. Sanchez reiterated Madrid’s rejection of armed conflict, breaches of international law, and the misguided belief that global challenges could be resolved through military force alone.

Spain has stood out among European nations for its unambiguous opposition to the US and Israeli strikes on Iran. It has refused to permit the use of jointly operated military bases—such as those in Rota and Morón—for operations not aligned with existing bilateral agreements or the United Nations Charter. This stance persists despite Washington’s economic threats.

The White House’s assertion appears unsubstantiated, as no evidence of a policy reversal has emerged from Spanish authorities. Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian praised Spain’s position, commending its officials for resisting what he described as aggression by the “Zionist-American coalition” and demonstrating that ethical voices remain in the West.

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Meanwhile, the European Union, through foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, has highlighted concerns over Iran’s ballistic missile and nuclear activities, along with its backing of militant groups, while advocating sanctions and diplomatic efforts rather than outright endorsing the military campaign.

Spain’s defiance underscores a broader tension within NATO and transatlantic relations, as Madrid prioritizes adherence to international law amid escalating regional conflict.