Spain Message Trump: You can't use our air bases for the Iran War

“We were one of the few countries that sent troops to help the United States become a nation and gain independence”, Albares said.

We want the relationship [with the US] to move forward in the same way, but we will not renounce our principles. We adhere to our values and defend the interests of our citizens. This is the only thing that really instructs me”, he added in an interview at the Viana Palace, the Spanish Foreign Minister's official residence, broadcasts Telegrafi.

Comments come at a time of high tensions between Madrid and Washington, after Spain denied US military aircraft access to its air bases because of its opposition to the war in Iran.

The US responded by threatening Spain with a trade embargo, troop withdrawal and NATO suspension.

President Donald Trump said in early March that the Spanish government “has been terrible for refusing to allow Washington to use bases in Morón and Rotafor to launch attacks on Iran, adding that “we don't want anything in common with Spain”.

The use of these bases comes from an agreement, a treaty between the two countries”, Albares said.

And it has been declared very clearly very early in the treaty that it should be in line with international law and the UN Charter”, he added.

This is a one-sided war. None of [NATO's] allies was consulted or informed. We don't know what's going on. Neither Spain nor any other country. More reasons to act and defend the interests of our citizens” continued Albares.

White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly told POLITICO: Vice President Trump has made clear his disappointment with NATO and other allies”.

“Europe greatly benefits from tens of thousands of United States troops stationed in Europe, however, requests to use military bases to protect American interests were refused. The president has actually restored America's position on the world stage and strengthened relations with the outside, but at the same time he will never allow the United States to be treated unjustly and exploited by so-called CHAleata'”, she said.

Spain, led by Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has found itself an exception from the EU when it comes to the Middle East.

The Sánchez government has repeatedly called for the EU to issue stronger criticism of Israel and has hit the US-Israel War against Iran.

Albares argued Spain's positions have now become key within the bloc.

It's true to say that we were the first to follow this approach. For Iran and everything that is happening in the Middle East”, he said.

It looks like we're alone, just first. Some days later, others start saying the same things. A month later, everyone in Europe says exactly what we say. Why? Because it is what makes sense for the interest of our citizens, European citizens, not just Spanish citizens, and for our values, European values”, Albares added.

He said the EU was at a turning point, arguing it must become more independent as global instability deepens and transatlantic foreign policy becomes less predictable.

The Spanish foreign minister called for the EU to develop its army.

“We need an army, a common defence capacity. The United States has made their army ever stronger and no one thinks it weakens NATO”, Albares said. /Telegraph