Spain’s foreign minister has insisted the US military bases in Andalucia will not be shut down despite threats from president Donald Trump.
Jose Manuel Albares insisted that neither Madrid nor Washington is considering pulling American forces out of the strategic bases at Naval Station Rota and the Moron Air Base.
He also confirmed that Spain deliberately stayed out of the UK-led international summit on the Strait of Hormuz.
‘No plans’ to withdraw US presence
Speaking to TVE, Albares dismissed concerns that tensions over the Middle East conflict could impact long-standing military cooperation.
He made clear that both Madrid and Washington remain aligned on maintaining the bases, which are considered key NATO assets in southern Europe.
At the same time, he defended Spain’s decision to block the use of those installations for recent US military action linked to Iran, arguing it did not meet the requirements of the UN Charter.
Spain distances itself from military escalation
The minister also confirmed that Spain chose not to take part in the UK-led coalition meeting aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Albares, the government declined the invitation because it did not want to be associated with any initiative that could ‘escalate the war’.
The summit – involving more than 40 countries – focused on coordinating a response to Iran’s restrictions in the vital shipping corridor following joint US-Israeli military action earlier this year.
Spain’s absence raised eyebrows diplomatically, but Albares insisted the decision was both sovereign and legally sound.
‘No diplomatic fallout’
Despite the snub, he rejected suggestions that relations with allies could suffer.
In his view, Spain acted fully within international law and its stance should not trigger any negative consequences with partners, including the US.
Mediation hopes fading
Albares also poured cold water on hopes of a quick diplomatic breakthrough between Washington and Tehran.
While countries such as Egypt and Qatar have initiated contacts, he described these efforts as ‘preliminary’ rather than formal mediation.
For any real progress, he stressed, both the US and Iran would need to engage directly, something he suggested remains unlikely in the current climate.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
