Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez Rejects US Request to Use Military Bases for Potential Iran Attack

Madrid. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has clearly rejected US President Donald Trump's military request. In a televised address on Wednesday, Prime Minister Sanchez announced that Spain would not allow its aircraft or military bases to be used for an attack on Iran. He firmly stated that Spain would not participate in any military action that could be harmful to the world due to fear of retaliation.

"We will not engage in war and we strongly oppose any potential catastrophe," Sanchez said during the address. He stated that his stance aligns with the sentiments of millions of citizens in Europe, North America, and the Middle East who do not desire further war or uncertainty.

Previously, on Tuesday, President Trump had referred to Spain as a 'frightening' ally during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the White House. The chill in relations between the two countries followed Sanchez's refusal to increase defense spending to five percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as demanded by Trump. Trump has repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction, claiming that the US has to bear too much of the burden of the alliance alone.

The leftist government led by Sanchez has strongly opposed Israel's military action in Gaza. Furthermore, Washington has been displeased with Spain due to its criticism of the US military plan to arrest Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and other independent policies.

Spain's Rota Naval Base and Moron Air Base are currently used by the US military. During the 2003 invasion of Iraq, Spain strongly supported the US under the leadership of then-Conservative Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar. However, the current government has abandoned the old path and taken a firm stance against participating in conflicts.