Spain draws red line, rejects US use of bases in Iran campaign

Spain has refused to allow the United States to use jointly operated military bases on its territory for strikes against Iran, as Madrid hardened its criticism of the widening conflict across the Middle East.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned what he described as “unilateral military action” by Washington and Israel, calling it an “unjustified and dangerous military intervention” that risks creating “a more hostile and uncertain international order”. His remarks came as US President Donald Trump signalled that the campaign against Iran could last for weeks.


The Spanish government has now formally declined permission for the US to use the naval base at Rota and the air base at Morón for operations linked to the strikes. Both facilities are jointly operated under longstanding defence agreements between Madrid and Washington.

Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said Spain would not authorise any activity that falls outside existing bilateral arrangements or the framework of international law. “The bases are not being used – nor will they be used – for anything that is not in the agreement, nor for anything that isn’t covered by the UN charter,” he told Spanish television.

Meanwhile the UK has allowed US access to bases in Middle East but refused to join the offence.

Madrid’s position comes as fighting intensifies. US and Israeli forces have struck Iranian missile sites and naval assets, while Tehran and its regional allies have retaliated with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and Gulf states. Oil infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and shipping routes near the Strait of Hormuz have also come under threat, sending energy prices sharply higher and disrupting global travel.

Trump has said US forces aim to destroy Iran’s missile capabilities, cripple its navy and prevent it from acquiring a nuclear weapon. He has indicated the operation could continue for “four to five weeks”, and potentially longer.