Spain Refuses Use of Bases for Iran Operation, Vows Not to Be ‘Anyone’s Vassal’

Spain has maintained its firm stance against allowing its military bases to be used in operations against Iran, amid rising tensions with Washington.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Spain’s Deputy Prime Minister María Jesús Montero said the country would not become “anyone’s vassal state.”

“We are not going to be anyone’s servant. We will not tolerate any kind of threat, and we will defend our values,” she told reporters.

Tensions between Madrid and Washington escalated after Spain refused to authorize the use of the Rota and Morón military bases for U.S. military operations targeting Iran.

In response, U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly warned that Washington would sever all trade relations with Spain if access to the bases was denied.

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez had earlier cautioned that the conflict involving Iran could trigger a major global catastrophe. In a televised address, Sánchez said Spain would not participate in any action that could harm the world or contradict the country’s values and interests.

According to a report by The Guardian, Sánchez has been among the most outspoken European leaders in criticizing Israel’s actions in Gaza. He has summarized his government’s position on the ongoing U.S.-Israel strikes against Iran in three words: “We do not want war.”

The dispute marks a significant diplomatic strain between two NATO allies as the Middle East conflict continues to escalate.