Spain denies White House statement on readiness to cooperate in military operation against Iran

Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said that Madrid did not agree to military cooperation with the US on the operation against Iran and did not change its position on the use of its bases.

This is reported by El Mundo.

What is the White House's position on US military at its bases

Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said in a comment that Spain has not yet agreed to cooperate with the US military.

"I categorically deny this. Spain's position on the war in the Middle East, on the attack on Iran, on the use of our bases has not changed..." the minister said.

He added that Spain should stay away from "a military operation that is being carried out in violation of international law."

What the White House is saying

Earlier, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said at a press conference that Madrid agreed to cooperate with the US Armed Forces after a warning from President Donald Trump.

According to her, the day before, Trump ordered "to terminate all relations" with Spain due to its refusal to allow the use of Spanish military bases for strikes in the Middle East.

"I think they clearly heard President Trump's message yesterday. They agreed to cooperate with the American military," Leavitt said.

Recall that earlier, US President Donald Trump announced his decision to "terminate all relations" with Spain after Madrid did not allow the use of its military bases for strikes in the Middle East.