Madrid – The Spanish government has “categorically” denied a White House claim that it has reversed its stance and agreed to cooperate militarily with the United States in the war against Iran, pushing back against President Donald Trump’s threat to sever trade ties.
The diplomatic spat escalated on Wednesday when White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt suggested that Madrid had buckled under pressure.
“With respect to Spain, I think they heard the president’s message yesterday loud and clear, and it’s my understanding, over the past several hours, they’ve agreed to cooperate with the US military,” Leavitt told reporters.
‘Not a Single Comma Has Changed’
Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares was swift and unequivocal in his response, dismissing the assertion outright.
“I deny it categorically,” Albares told the Hora25 radio programme. “Not a single comma has changed, and I have no idea whatsoever what they might be referring to.”
On Tuesday, Trump had lambasted Spain as “terrible” for refusing to allow US military bases on its soil to be used in operations against Iran.
“We’re going to cut off all trade with Spain. We don’t want anything to do with Spain,” the president declared.
Sanchez: ‘We Have Faced This Before’
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez took to X (formerly Twitter) to reaffirm Spain’s principled opposition to the war, drawing a direct line to the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
“The world, Europe, and Spain have faced this critical moment before. In 2003, a few irresponsible leaders dragged us into an illegal war in the Middle East that brought nothing but insecurity and pain,” Sanchez wrote.
He added that Spain’s position remains unchanged: to reject war, violations of international law, and “the illusion that we can solve the world’s problems with bombs.”
Iran Praises Spain
The强硬 Spanish stance has not gone unnoticed in Tehran. An Iranian official took to social media to commend Madrid.
“Spain’s responsible conduct in opposing the Zionist-American coalition’s flagrant human rights violations and military aggression against countries, including Iran, shows that ethics and awakened consciences still exist in the West,” the official posted.
Europe’s Divided Response
Spain has emerged as a distinct outlier in Europe. While the European Union has vaguely called for de-escalation and the protection of civilians, it has stopped short of rejecting the US-Israeli assault.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas framed the conflict differently, stating: “Iran’s regime has killed thousands. Its ballistic missile and nuclear programmes, along with support for terror groups, pose a serious threat to global security.”
Spain’s position is also consistent with its vocal criticism of Israel’s war on Gaza, further distancing it from Washington’s line.
What’s at Stake?
Trump’s threat to cut trade with Spain—a NATO ally and major trading partner—would be unprecedented. Bilateral trade between the two countries was valued at approximately $20 billion in 2025, with Spanish exports to the US including machinery, pharmaceuticals, and food products.
For now, Madrid shows no signs of blinking.
