Overview
- Spain’s government formally barred U.S. operations against Iran from the jointly operated Rota and Morón bases, citing treaty limits and the U.N. Charter.
- Flight-tracking data showed at least 15 U.S. aircraft, including KC-135 refueling tankers, departing Spanish bases, with several relocating to Ramstein in Germany.
- President Donald Trump said he told Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to “cut off all dealings with Spain,” while Bessent agreed an embargo authority exists; the scope and legality remain unclear given EU trade competence and recent court rulings.
- Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned the U.S.-Israeli strikes as an unjustified and dangerous intervention, and Defense Minister Margarita Robles said Spanish facilities would not support the operation except for humanitarian needs.
- Britain shifted to allow limited U.S. use of two bases for collective self-defense, highlighting allied divisions as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz pressed Spain to raise defense spending.