Spain has rejected a claim by the White House that it agreed to cooperate with the United States in military operations against Iran.
The denial deepens tensions between Madrid and Washington after Spain refused to allow US forces to use military bases on its territory for strikes targeting Iran.
Speaking on Wednesday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt suggested that Spain had softened its position following remarks by US President Donald Trump.
“With respect to Spain, I think they heard the president’s message yesterday loud and clear,” Leavitt said during a press briefing.
“It’s my understanding over the past several hours they’ve agreed to cooperate with the US military and so I know the US military is coordinating with their counterparts in Spain.”
Her comments came only hours after Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez publicly ruled out supporting any military action that breaches international law.
Sánchez was responding to Trump’s decision to suspend trade relations with Spain after Madrid denied Washington permission to use jointly operated bases on Spanish soil to launch attacks on Iran.
Spain insists its stance has not changed.
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares quickly contradicted the White House statement, stressing that Madrid’s position remains firm.
“The Spanish government’s position regarding the war in the Middle East and the bombings in Iran, regarding the use of our bases, has not changed by a single comma,” Albares said.
Spain has made clear that any use of its military facilities must comply with international law and be authorised under the United Nations Charter.
Madrid has instead urged diplomatic efforts and renewed calls for de-escalation in the growing Middle East crisis.
