White House Says Spain Agrees to Support US on Iran, Madrid Pushes Back

Washington/New Delhi: – In a dramatic policy reversal, the White House announced late Wednesday that Spain has agreed to cooperate with United States military operations targeting Iran, following a direct threat from President Donald Trump to impose trade penalties.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the development, stating that Madrid’s decision came after days of intense diplomatic pressure.

This shift marks a significant win for the Trump administration amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, where US and Israeli forces have conducted strikes against Iranian targets.

Earlier reports indicated Spain had firmly denied permission for US use of key joint bases in Rota and Morón, citing violations of international law and UN sanctions.

The announcement follows Trump’s public warning that failure to cooperate could lead to tariffs on Spanish exports, including wine, olive oil, and automobiles.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s government, initially vocal in its opposition, appears to have relented under economic duress, though no official statement from Madrid has been released as of early Thursday.

Background on the Dispute
Tensions boiled over last week when Spain rejected US requests for base access, labeling potential strikes on Iran as “absolutely none” compliant with global norms.

This stance aligned Spain with other European nations wary of being drawn into the conflict. However, Trump’s reelection and aggressive foreign policy have reshaped alliances, pressuring NATO partners to align with Washington.

The bases in question Rota naval base and Morón air base are vital for US logistics in the region, hosting refueling operations and troop rotations.

Implications for US-Iran Conflict
Spain’s cooperation could streamline US resupply efforts, bolstering operations against Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure.

Analysts suggest this opens doors for broader European involvement, though public backlash in Spain may test Sánchez’s leadership. The story remains fluid, with AFP and other outlets reporting unverified footage of White House briefings.
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As of March 5, Spanish officials have not commented, leaving questions about the scope of “cooperation” whether logistical support, overflight rights, or more.