Spain denies WH claims it is cooperating with U.S. on Iran

Leavitt stated in the White House press briefing on Wednesday that Spain had succumbed to President Donald Trump's embargo threat and reversed course, after it previously refused to allow the U.S. to use its bases for Iran strikes.

Published: March 4, 2026 2:52pm

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Albares on Wednesday denied claims from White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt that Madrid had reversed its position on helping the U.S. military in its conflict with Iran.

"She will be the White House spokesperson, but I am Spain's Foreign Minister and I tell her that our position remains the same," Albares said, according to El Pais.

Leavitt stated in the White House press briefing on Wednesday that Spain had succumbed to President Donald Trump's embargo threat and reversed course, after it previously refused to allow the U.S. to use its bases for Iran strikes.

"With respect to Spain, I think they heard the president's message yesterday loud and clear. And it's my understanding, over the past several hours, they've agreed to cooperate with the U.S. military," Leavitt said. "The president expects all of our European allies to cooperate in this long-sought-after mission."

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.

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