Spain has rejected providing military support for the United States and Israel’s operation against Iran, distancing itself from the stance taken by France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, which have indicated willingness to consider what they described as proportionate offensive actions in response to Iranian attacks across the Gulf region and Cyprus. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said each nation must make its own foreign policy decisions but stressed that Europe’s role should be one of “balance and moderation,” focused on de-escalation and a return to negotiations rather than military confrontation.
Albares warned that the current cycle of violence risked spiraling further, arguing that unilateral military actions conducted outside the framework of the United Nations Charter or collective international bodies lacked clear objectives and undermined international law. He reiterated that Europe should prioritize diplomacy and dialogue to contain the crisis involving Iran.
Spain’s refusal to authorize operational support led the United States to withdraw around a dozen KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft previously deployed at the Spanish bases of Morón de la Frontera and Rota. Defense Minister Margarita Robles confirmed that Spain had provided no assistance to the attacks and emphasized that bilateral defense cooperation agreements must operate strictly within international legality. She said the bases would only be used for humanitarian purposes unless a multilateral mandate from organizations such as the UN, NATO, or the European Union were established.
Robles indicated Washington was aware of Madrid’s position, suggesting the U.S. decision to relocate the refueling aircraft to other European bases reflected Spain’s non-participation. She underscored that the planes neither carried out nor were expected to carry out any support missions related to the strikes.
Despite declining direct involvement, Spain has not blocked the presence of U.S. naval assets stationed in Rota. According to reports by EL PAÍS, two American destroyers assigned to the base are currently operating in the Eastern Mediterranean to reinforce Israel’s defenses against ballistic missile attacks launched by Iran. Unlike aircraft deployments, naval units can remain at sea for extended periods and receive orders independently, limiting Spain’s ability to veto their movements.
The Spanish government’s stance contrasts sharply with the approach of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, whose leaders have warned Tehran to halt what they called indiscriminate regional attacks and signaled readiness to coordinate defensive measures with Washington. Madrid’s divergence highlights growing divisions within Europe over how to respond to the rapidly escalating conflict in the Middle East.
