By Micah Jonah
March 3, 2026
Spain has declared that the United States will not be allowed to use joint military bases on Spanish soil for operations linked to ongoing strikes against Iran.
Foreign Minister, Jose Manuel Albares said on Monday that, based on available information, US forces were not using the bases for the military campaign.
“Based on all the information I have, the bases are not being used for this military operation,” he told Spanish public television.
Sanchez Condemns Strikes:
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez described the US and Israeli military action against Iran as “unjustified” and a “dangerous military intervention” outside international law.
Albares stressed that Madrid would not authorize the use of the Rota naval base or Moron airbase for activities beyond the scope of existing agreements or inconsistent with United Nations principles.
Although the US operates from the facilities under a joint-use arrangement, both bases remain under Spanish sovereignty.
Defence Minister, Margarita Robles said the bases would only provide support if required for humanitarian purposes.
European Divide:
Spain’s position contrasts with that of other major European powers.
The United Kingdom, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, initially declined to permit the use of its bases but later authorized access for what it termed “collective self-defence” following Iranian counterattacks in the Middle East.
France and Germany have indicated readiness to support similar arrangements alongside the United States and regional allies.
A joint statement from the three countries condemned what they described as indiscriminate missile attacks by Iran against regional states, including those not involved in the initial US-Israeli operations.
Flight-tracking data on Monday showed US aircraft departing southern Spain after the strikes began, with several landing at Ramstein airbase in Germany.
Madrid has also condemned retaliatory attacks launched by Iran on Gulf states, underscoring its call for de-escalation amid growing regional tensions.
