Madrid has affirmed that the United States has not used, nor will use, Spanish territory as a launchpad for strikes against Iran. The announcement, made on Monday, March 2, 2026, comes amid heightened global tensions following recent military actions in the region. This development underscores Spain’s commitment to maintaining neutrality and adhering to international law.
Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares stated that the naval base at Rota and the air base at Morón de la Frontera “are not being used” in connection with operations related to the ongoing conflict. According to reporting from Anadolu Ajansı, Madrid “will not authorize any deployment” that does not align with bilateral agreements with Washington and international law.
“Spanish sovereign bases will not be used for actions that do not correspond to either the agreement reached with the United States or the Charter of the United Nations,” Albares said, emphasizing that despite joint usage, these installations remain under Spanish authority. The statement comes after the U.S. And Israel conducted strikes within Iran, prompting international reactions.
The Spanish government was not informed in advance of the strikes against Iran, which Albares characterized as “a unilateral action outside of any collective framework.” This lack of prior consultation appears to have contributed to Madrid’s strong condemnation of the actions.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez earlier denounced the “unilateral” actions of the United States and Israel, warning that they contribute to “a more uncertain and hostile international order,” as reported by Euronews.com. Spain has often positioned itself as a critical voice regarding U.S. Foreign policy, particularly concerning conflicts like the one in Gaza and the situation in Iran.
The government is as well advising Spanish citizens to leave Iran, with approximately 30,000 nationals currently believed to be in the Middle East and affected by flight disruptions, VisaHQ reported. The Catalan government has established a 24-hour assistance hotline for citizens impacted by the escalating situation in the Gulf.
Reports indicate that an American plane was also denied access to Spanish airspace due to the conflict with Iran, according to Gamereactor France. The series of events highlights the complex geopolitical landscape and the challenges of maintaining stability in the region.
