Madrid, Spain. The White House said Spain has agreed to cooperate with the U.S. military after President Donald Trump threatened to cut off trade, but Spanish officials denied that any such agreement was made.
White House claims Spain relented after Trump threat
Trump said on Tuesday he would sever trade with Madrid over Spain’s stance against the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran. On Wednesday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said she had been told Spain had changed course.
“I think they heard the president’s message yesterday loud and clear. It is my understanding over the past several hours they’ve agreed to cooperate with the U.S. military,” Leavitt told a news briefing.
Spain rejects claim of agreement
Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares denied Spain had made an agreement with the United States.
“I categorically deny it. I heard about these statements on my way here, and I’ve had time to look into them and listen to them a little,” Albares told Spanish radio station Cadena Ser.
“The Spanish government’s position on the war in the Middle East and the bombing of Iran regarding the use of our bases has not changed at all. Therefore, I categorically and sincerely deny it. I have no idea what this could refer to or where it could have come from.”
Dispute centers on use of bases and trade threat
Trump floated imposing a trade embargo on Madrid over Spain’s refusal to allow U.S. aircraft to use jointly operated naval and air bases in southern Spain for an offensive against Tehran. Spain has denounced the U.S. and Israeli bombings of Iran as reckless and illegal.
Deputy Prime Minister Maria Jesus Montero said on Wednesday that Spain “will not be vassals” to another country. In a televised address earlier, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez reiterated Spain’s anti-war stance and warned the conflict risked triggering a major global disaster.
How do you think the dispute between Washington and Madrid could affect U.S.-Spain relations?
