Spain, US clash over use of military base for Iran offensive

Spain has rejected the White House’s claim that the Europeancountry is willing to cooperate with the United States in the offensive againstIran. “With respect to Spain, I think they heard the president’smessage yesterday loud and clear,” Karoline Leavitt, White House presssecretary, said on Wednesday. “And it’s my understanding, over the past several hours,they’ve agreed to cooperate with the US military and so I know the US militaryis coordinating with their counterparts in Spain.” Leavitt’s comments came hours after Spanish Prime MinisterPedro Sánchez said his country would not support actions that violateinternational law and threaten global peace. Sánchez spoke in response to US President Donald Trump‘sdecision to end all trade with the European country after Spain denied the USpermission to use military bases on its territory to attack Iran. “The president expects all of our European allies, ofcourse, to cooperate in this long sought after mission,” Leavitt added in thepress conference.Shortly after, Jose Albares, Spanish foreign minister,countered the White House press secretary. “The Spanish government’s position regarding the war in theMiddle East and the bombings in Iran, regarding the use of our bases, has notchanged by a single comma,” Albares said. The Spanish government has said that it will not allow theUS use its bases for any strikes not covered by the UN charter. The European country has called for peace instead.

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