Spain’s Foreign Minister José Albares said yesterday that Spain is still committed to the transatlantic relationship, but it is not willing to “renounce its principles.” “We were one of the very few countries that sent troops to help the United States to become a nation and to get independence,” Albares said. “We want the relationship [with the U.S.] to move forward in the same way, but we won’t renounce our principles.”
Spain has refused to allow American military planes to use its air bases. Trump has threatened a trade embargo, troop withdrawal, and suspension from NATO.
“The use of those bases comes from an agreement, a treaty between both countries,” Albares said. “And it’s very clearly stated very early in the treaty that it must be in compliance with international law and the United Nations Charter.”
“This is a unilateral war,” Albares went on. “None of the [NATO] allies were consulted or informed. We don’t know what’s going on. Neither Spain nor any other country. Even more reason to act and defend the interests of our citizens.”
The U.S. currently has two bases in Spain: Morón Air Base and the Naval Station Rota. As of 2025, there were almost 4,000 military personnel stationed in Spain.