Spain denies US use of its military bases for Iran operations
Spain's government rejected US requests to use bases at Rota and Morón for attacks on Iran, forcing American tanker aircraft to relocate to other European locations.
19 min ago
Spain said Monday that it has denied the United States permission to use its jointly operated military bases for operations against Iran, marking a sharp break from other European allies.
Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares stated that the bases at Rota and Morón are not being used and will not be used for any military action outside the bilateral defense agreement between Spain and the United States or inconsistent with the United Nations Charter. "The bases are not being used – nor will they be used – for anything that is not in the agreement, nor for anything that does not fit within the UN Charter," Albares said in an interview with Spanish television on Monday.
Defense Minister Margarita Robles confirmed that the bases have provided no assistance to the United States in its operations against Iran. At least 11 U.S. KC-135T and KC-135R tanker aircraft departed the southern Spanish bases late Sunday evening after the Spanish government objected to the military action, relocating to other locations in Europe, including Germany.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran that began Saturday as an "unjustified" and "dangerous military intervention" that falls outside international law. He characterized the operations as "unilateral military action" and warned that such escalation contributes to "a more hostile and uncertain international order."
Spain's position distinguishes it from other European nations. France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have indicated willingness to undertake "proportional offensive actions" in response to Iranian attacks against countries in the Persian Gulf region and Cyprus. Albares emphasized that Spain believes Europe's voice should be one of "balance and moderation," focused on de-escalation and returning to negotiation rather than perpetuating cycles of military action.
Vice President and Finance Minister María Jesús Montero sought to reassure the public that the bases have not been activated for participation in the airstrikes. She stated there has been no communication from the U.S. embassy regarding increased security levels at the Spanish military installations.
Iran's ambassador to Spain, Reza Zabib, warned Monday that any location used in what he characterized as "aggression" against Iran would be considered a "legitimate target," a statement that extended to U.S. facilities in Spain, though he did not specifically name the bases at Rota and Morón.
The U.S. and Israeli operations against Iran began Saturday and resulted in more than 500 deaths in Iran, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several ministers and senior military officials, according to Iranian sources cited by the ambassador.