Madrid has taken a firm stance against recent military actions in Iran, refusing to allow the United States to utilize its air bases for offensive operations. The move underscores growing diplomatic friction between Spain and its allies, as well as a broader international concern over escalating tensions in the Middle East.
On Monday, March 2, Spain affirmed that U.S. Forces had not used, and would not use, military installations on Spanish territory to support operations against Iran. This confirmation came after questions arose regarding the use of bases in Rota and Morón de la Frontera, Andalusia, which are subject to a joint-use agreement with the United States.
“According to all the information I have, the bases are not being used for this military operation,” Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares stated to Spanish public television, referring to the facilities in Andalusia. “The Spanish government will not authorize the use of bases for anything that exceeds the agreement or is incompatible with the United Nations.”
Defense Minister Margarita Robles added that the bases “would not provide support, except if, in a given case, it proved necessary from a humanitarian point of view.”
The decision follows a condemnation by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on Saturday, February 28, of the U.S. And Israeli strikes against Iran, labeling them “an unjustified and dangerous intervention, outside of international law.”
Spain’s position distinguishes it from several other European nations, who have generally called for restraint and the protection of civilians without directly criticizing the U.S. Or Israel. Madrid’s reaction has been more direct, warning that the strikes could exacerbate regional tensions and “contribute to a more uncertain and hostile international order.”
The refusal to grant access to its bases prompted the departure of fifteen U.S. Aerial refueling aircraft from the Rota and Morón facilities, according to Reuters. This development highlights Spain’s commitment to a policy of de-escalation, and dialogue.
The strikes targeted a building in central Tehran believed to be the residence of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, who is 86 years old. The situation has been described as “deeply concerning” by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa, who jointly called for all parties to avoid actions that could further escalate tensions or jeopardize the global non-proliferation framework.
The Spanish government’s actions reach amid questions about the international legal basis for the Israeli-American attack on Iran, and potential responses from Tehran. Analysts are too examining the role of Iran’s regional allies, including Hezbollah and Hamas, and the impact of the war in Ukraine on Iran’s ability to rely on its partnerships.
The situation also brings into focus the complex relationship between former U.S. President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Iran, with some observers suggesting a pattern of escalating actions with unpredictable consequences.
