Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez Condemns US-Israeli Strikes on Iran
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has strongly condemned the recent US and Israeli military strikes on Iran, describing them as an “unjustified” and “dangerous military intervention” that falls outside the framework of international law.
Spain has made clear that the United States is neither using nor will be permitted to use joint military bases located on Spanish territory for operations against Iran. Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares stated on Spanish public television that, based on the information available, the bases are not being used in the current military operation.
Albares further emphasized that the Spanish government would not authorize the use of its bases for any activity beyond existing bilateral agreements or actions inconsistent with United Nations principles. His remarks referred specifically to the Naval Station Rota and the Morón Air Base. Although US forces operate from these facilities under a joint-use agreement, both bases remain under Spanish sovereignty.
Defence Minister Margarita Robles added that the bases would not provide support for military actions, except in circumstances deemed necessary for humanitarian purposes.
Spain also condemned Iran’s retaliatory attacks targeting Gulf countries.
According to data from Flightradar24, at least 15 US aircraft departed from bases in southern Spain following the launch of US-Israeli strikes on Iran. At least seven of those aircraft reportedly landed at Ramstein Air Base in Germany.
Spain’s position appears to diverge from that of several major European nations. While Britain initially declined to allow the use of its bases for strikes on Iran, Prime Minister Keir Starmer later authorized their use for “collective self-defence” amid Iranian counterattacks on US assets and Gulf energy infrastructure.
Meanwhile, France and Germany have indicated readiness to take similar steps. In a joint statement on Sunday, the three countries’ leaders expressed that they were “appalled by the indiscriminate and disproportionate missile attacks launched by Iran against countries in the region, including those not involved in the initial US and Israeli military operations.”
They further stated their commitment to working alongside the United States and regional allies in addressing the situation.
