White House says Spain agreed to join US in Middle East ops. Spain denies claim: ‘Our position not changed one iota’

Spain's denial came minutes after White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that it agreed to 'cooperate with the US military.

Updated on: Mar 5, 2026, 04:17:40 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Soon after the White House said that Spain had agreed to join Washington in its operations in the Middle East, Spain has denied the claim. Track updates on US-Iran conflict

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt holds a press briefing at the White House in Washington, (REUTERS)

“I can refute (the White House spokesperson),” Spanish minister José Manuel Albares told radio station Cadena Ser, AP reported. “The position of the Spanish government regarding the war in the Middle East, the bombing of Iran and the use of our bases has not changed one iota.”

What White House press secretary said

Spain's denial came minutes after White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a press briefing on Wednesday (local time) said that it agreed to 'cooperate with the US military. “I think they heard Trump’s message yesterday loud and clear. They have agreed to cooperate with the US military. The US military is coordinating with their counterparts in Spain,” Leavitt said.

Donald Trump on Spain

Earlier on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump threatened to snap all trade ties with Spain following Spanish minister José Manuel Albares's statement that his country wouldn't allow the US to use jointly operated bases in southern Spain in any strikes not covered by the UN charter. Follow updates on gulf region

Also read: US torpedo strikes Iranian ship off Sri Lanka coast, video shows frigate flinging in air | Watch

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also criticised the US and Israel's military actions in Iran, as he warned that the war in the Middle East risked “playing Russian roulette” with millions of lives.

“We are not going to be complicit in something that is bad for the world and is also contrary to our values and interests, just out of fear of reprisals from someone,” Sánchez said in a televised address, the Associated Press reported.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest headlines from US news and global updates from Pakistan, Nepal, UK, Bangladesh, Russia and US Iran war Live, get all the latest headlines in one place on Hindustan Times.