Spain Denies U.S. Use of Military Bases for Iran Strikes, Condemns Attacks

Spain has firmly stated that it will not permit the United States to use its military bases for operations against Iran, a stance that aligns with its condemnation of recent U.S. and Israeli military actions. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has criticized the strikes on Iran as "unjustified" and "dangerous," arguing that they fall outside the bounds of international law. Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares confirmed on Spanish public television that the bases are not being used for these military operations.

The bases in question, Rota naval base and Moron airbase, are operated under a joint-use agreement with the U.S., but remain under Spanish sovereignty. Defense Minister Margarita Robles emphasized that the bases would only provide support if necessary for humanitarian purposes. Spain has also condemned Iran's retaliatory attacks on Gulf countries.

Flight-tracking data from FlightRadar24 indicated that 15 U.S. aircraft have departed from southern Spain since the strikes began, with at least seven landing at Ramstein airbase in Germany. This suggests that while Spain is not authorizing the use of its bases for offensive operations, U.S. military activity in the region continues.

Spain's position contrasts with other major European nations. Initially, the United Kingdom also refused to allow its bases to be used for attacks on Iran. However, Prime Minister Keir Starmer later authorized their use for "collective self-defense" in response to Iranian counterattacks targeting U.S. assets and energy infrastructure in the Gulf region. France and Germany have indicated their readiness to support similar actions.

The leaders of the UK, France, and Germany issued a joint statement expressing their alarm at Iran's "indiscriminate and disproportionate missile attacks" on regional countries, some of which were not involved in the initial U.S. and Israeli operations. They pledged to collaborate with the U.S. and regional allies to address the situation.