Spain pushes back on US claims of military cooperation, suggests ‘disinformation’

By Alyssa McMurtry

OVIEDO, Spain (AA) - Spain’s defense minister on Thursday refuted claims from Washington that Madrid is cooperating militarily with the US in its operations against Iran and suggested the remarks may have been “disinformation.”​​​​​​​

“The facts are very clear: the Spanish government will not authorize the use of the Rota and Moron bases for United States actions in this context,” Margarita Robles told Cadena Ser radio.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Levitt on Wednesday said Spain had “agreed to cooperate” with the US military after US President Donald Trump threatened to cut off trade, adding that Madrid had heard Trump’s message “loud and clear.”

Robles suggested the comments could have been made “for internal reasons, because of disinformation or because they know Trump was not correct.”

Robles added that Spain remains firmly committed to its alliances and highlighted how a Spanish brigade provided information that allowed NATO to shoot down an Iranian missile in Turkish airspace on Wednesday.

The Spanish government also announced Thursday it will deploy one of its most advanced warships to the eastern Mediterranean to help defend allied territory.

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares also emphasized Spain’s refusal to allow the US to use its military bases to attack Iran, insisting the decision falls under Spain’s sovereignty.

“I don’t have to speak with anyone – it’s a sovereign decision made by the Spanish government,” he said in an interview with Catalunya Radio on Thursday.

Albares added that Spain has no plans to summon the US ambassador in Madrid.

“What matters is Spain’s position – on the side of international law, de-escalation, and a return to the negotiating table,” he said, urging the EU to take a similar stance.

On Wednesday, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called the operation in Iran “a disaster” and said the Spanish government’s position can be summarized in the phrase “no to war.”

Israel and the US have continued a large-scale offensive on Iran since Saturday, killing at least 926 people, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and top military officials.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel as well as Gulf countries that are home to US military assets.