Marco Rubio has blasted Spain for refusing to allow US forces to use its military bases in Andalucia for any potential operation against Iran.
Speaking to Fox News, the US Secretary of State questioned the value of NATO to the US if key allies block Washington from using strategic infrastructure during moments of crisis.
Rubio described Spain’s position as ‘atrocious’ and ‘truly horrible’, arguing that one of NATO’s major advantages for the States has been access to such facilities across Europe.
According to Rubio, bases like Rota (Cadiz) and Moron (Sevilla) are considered strategically vital for protecting American interests in both the Middle East and Africa.
‘If, in situations like Iran, we are denied access to those bases, then we need to ask what exactly NATO is for,’ he said.
Rubio contrasted Spain’s stance with that of other NATO members, claiming countries including Portugal, Poland, Romania and Bulgaria had shown willingness to cooperate with Washington.
He specifically praised Portugal for offering support ‘without needing extensive explanations’.
The comments also echo growing scepticism toward NATO from President Donald Trump, who this week said ‘we don’t need NATO’ following European resistance to backing military action against Iran.
NATO is by design a collective defence organisation, meaning member states are only required to act when a fellow member is attacked.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
