He denied the United States the use of air bases in Spain and Israel came to the crossroads

The Spanish rejection was known after Iran’s attacks against countries in the Persian Gulf and against Cyprus, a member of the European Union, in response to the military offensive launched by the United States and Israel against Tehran. While France, Germany and the United Kingdom were willing to move forward even with “proportionate offensive actions,” Madrid opted for a diplomatic route and distanced itself from its partners.

“The moment demands balance, moderation and negotiation,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs José Manuel Albares.who condemned the Iranian attacks but warned that a military escalation “only leads to a spiral of violence.” Albares summoned the Iranian ambassador in Madrid, Reza Zabib, to express Spanish rejection and demand an immediate end to the attacks.

In parallel, Defense Minister Margarita Robles confirmed that The United States withdrew a dozen KC-135 tanker aircraft from the Morón de la Frontera and Rota bases, after Spain denied any military support for the offensive against Iran. Robles was categorical: the bases can only be used within the framework of international legality and, in this case, These are unilateral actions without endorsement by the UN, NATO or the European Union.

“We are not going to provide support except in strictly humanitarian situations,” the minister remarked, while ensuring that Washington was aware of the Spanish position. As he explained, the withdrawal of the planes responded to a sovereign decision of the US Army.

The government’s position Spanish is not unprecedented. In 1986, during the presidency of Felipe González, Spain also denied the use of its airspace to American bombers that attacked Tripoli, Libya, considering that the operation violated international law.

Despite this refusal, two American destroyers based in Rota continue to be deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean to reinforce Israel’s defense against Iranian missiles, a situation that Spain cannot veto because they are ships in navigation.

As for the Spanish military in the region —about a thousand troops deployed in Lebanon, Iraq and Turkey—the government assured that they are safe and with reinforced security measures. Also cConcern is raised for the nearly 30,000 Spanish citizens in the Middle Eastespecially in the United Arab Emirates, where thousands were stranded due to the suspension of flights. The Foreign Ministry activated a crisis unit and is analyzing possible evacuations, although it admits that the operation is complex.

The Spanish position provoked an immediate reaction from the Israeli government. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar publicly questioned Sánchez and wondered if Spain is “on the right side of history”.

In a message spread on the social network Saar ironically commented on the gratitude expressed by Iran for the Spanish decision and recalled previous gestures of support received by the Spanish president from other actors hostile to Israel.

From Madrid, Albares “strictly” rejected that the joint bases with the United States are being used to attack Iran and reaffirmed that Spain will not allow any action that does not fit into the bilateral Treaty or the Charter of the United Nations.