Spain Rebuts White House Military Cooperation Claims
Speaking to a radio station, Albares dismissed the White House's characterization outright, insisting that "the Spanish government's position regarding the war in the Middle East and the bombings in Iran, regarding the use of our bases, has not changed by a single comma."
The denial came in direct response to White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, who had told reporters Wednesday that Spain had fallen in line after President Donald Trump threatened to "cut off all trade" with the European ally — a threat triggered by Madrid's refusal to allow US forces to use Spanish bases to strike Iran.
"With respect to Spain, I think they heard the president's message yesterday loud and clear, and it's my understanding...they've agreed to cooperate with the US military, and so I know that the US military is coordinating with their counterparts in Spain," Leavitt had told reporters.
Albares said he was at a complete loss to explain the White House's claims. "I have absolutely no idea what she could be referring to or where that could be coming from," he said.
When pressed on whether Leavitt had been dishonest, the Foreign Minister drew a pointed contrast in authority. "She may be the White House press secretary, but I am the foreign minister," he said.
Albares held firm, reaffirming that Madrid's stance "has not changed at all" and standing squarely behind Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's declared "no to war" position. He added that Sanchez had received an outpouring of "solidarity and support" from fellow leaders across Europe and beyond.
Spain Doesn't Fear US
Albares was equally defiant when asked whether Madrid was rattled by Trump's trade embargo threat, pushing back with a pointed rhetorical challenge.
"Why would a country like Spain fear? Why would a country that defends international law and seeks peace and stability in the Middle East and the rest of the world fear?" he said.
He underscored Spain's standing as a fully sovereign nation, adding: "Spain is a sovereign independent country that makes its own sovereign decisions regarding its own territory and its sovereign decisions in foreign policy." Albares also noted that trade policy ultimately rests with Brussels, given Spain's membership in the European Union's single market.
Trump had made his threat in stark terms on Tuesday, delivering the warning from the Oval Office while hosting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
"We're going to cut off all trade with Spain. We don't want anything to do with Spain," he told reporters.
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