Spain just shredded the White House’s claim that Spain quietly backed the Iran war

The White House said that Spain had received President Trump‘s message “loud and clear,” suggesting that Spain, which had previously refused to let its military bases be used in the war against Iran, had now agreed to work with the U.S. military. This claim came from White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who made the statement to reporters.

According to Al Jazeera, Spain quickly pushed back. Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares flatly denied the White House’s claim, saying, “Not a single comma has changed, and I have no idea whatsoever what they might be referring to.”

This back-and-forth came just one day after President Trump criticized Spain’s opposition to the war, calling it “terrible” and threatening to “cut off all trade with Spain.” Despite Trump’s trade threat, Spain is not changing its position. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez reaffirmed the country’s opposition to the war, saying Spain rejects violations of international law and the “illusion that we can solve the world’s problems with bombs.”

Spain is holding firm on opposing the Iran war despite strong pressure from the U.S.

He also drew a comparison to the 2003 Iraq war, warning that “a few irresponsible leaders dragged us into an illegal war in the Middle East that brought nothing but insecurity and pain.” Spain has stood out in Europe by clearly and directly opposing the attack on Iran, while the European Union has taken a more cautious approach. 

Trump himself has acknowledged that certain shifts in the Iran war changed his strategy, which adds more context to why the U.S. is pushing its allies so hard. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas acknowledged that “Iran’s regime has killed thousands” and that its programs “pose a serious threat to global security,” but the EU has focused on sanctions and diplomatic solutions rather than taking a firm stance.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also commented on Wednesday, praising Spain’s position. He posted on X, commending Spanish officials for their “responsible conduct in opposing the Zionist-American coalition’s flagrant human rights violations and military aggression against countries, including Iran.”

He added that it “shows that ethics and awakened consciences still exist in the West.” Meanwhile, back in the U.S., some lawmakers have been questioning Trump’s thinking behind the Iran strikes, reflecting growing debate within his own political circle.

This is not the first time Spain has taken a strong position on international conflicts. The country has also been vocal in criticizing Israel’s war on Gaza, showing a consistent pattern in its foreign policy. The diplomatic tension between Spain and the U.S. over the Iran war appears to be far from resolved, with both sides holding to very different positions.