Spain has agreed to cooperate with US military operations in the Middle East, the White House said on Wednesday, a day after President Donald Trump threatened to suspend trade with Madrid over its resistance to US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Spain appeared to reverse its stance after Trump’s warning, stating that Spanish authorities had agreed in recent hours to coordinate with the US military. She added that the Pentagon was already in contact with its Spanish counterparts to manage operational details.
The shift follows Trump’s remarks on Tuesday that the US could halt trade with Spain after Madrid declined to allow American aircraft to use jointly operated naval and air bases in southern Spain for strikes on Iran. Spain had argued that such use was not covered under the United Nations charter.
Spain’s Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares had earlier clarified that the bases would not support operations outside UN provisions.
Trump responded by threatening broad economic retaliation, though it remains uncertain how such measures would be enforced, given that Spain is part of the European Union, which negotiates trade agreements collectively for its 27 member states.
Spain’s earlier opposition
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez had openly criticised the US and Israeli strikes, warning of severe consequences and summarising his government’s position as “No to the war.” He cautioned that the conflict could endanger millions and lead to another prolonged regional crisis.
Deputy Prime Minister Maria Jesus Montero also stated that Spain would not act as a subordinate to another country.
US officials, however, argued that limiting American access to military facilities could hinder operations and potentially endanger US personnel, prompting the pressure that ultimately led to Spain’s reported cooperation.
