The US has doubled down on its criticism of Spain over Madrid’s refusal to allow the use of its military bases for strikes on Iran, raising fresh questions over the future of the NATO alliance.
During a state visit to China, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio pointed to Spain as an example of why Washington was questioning “the purpose of the alliance.”
Speaking to Fox News on Thursday, Rubio said: “When the primary reason why NATO is good for America is now being denied to us by Spain, as an example, then what’s the purpose of the alliance?
“They are allies when they want to be,” he added.
READ MORE: Spanish foreign minister calls for creation of EU army amid doubts over US commitment to NATO
The remarks come amid escalating tensions between the two countries since the start of the Iran conflict on February 28, with US President Donald Trump threatening a trade embargo, Spain’s suspension from NATO, and troop withdrawals.
Spain’s Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares told POLITICO on Tuesday that Spain would not abandon its commitment to international law despite mounting pressure from Washington.
“We want our relationship [with the US] to move forward in the same way, but we won’t renounce our principles,” he said.
Albares also urged the EU to strengthen its own defence capabilities amid growing doubts over Washington’s long-term commitment to NATO.
“We cannot be waking up every morning wondering what the US will do next. Our citizens deserve better,” Albares said in a separate interview with POLITICO on Monday.
READ MORE: Spain summons Israel envoy over detention of ‘kidnapped’ Gaza flotilla activist
Earlier this month, the US president withdrew 5,000 troops from Germany after Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Iran was humiliating the US in negotiations aimed at ending the conflict.
Tensions have continued to rise amid American complaints over what it sees as insufficient European support for operations in Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, which has remained largely closed to commercial shipping.
Spain has emerged as one of the strongest critics of Trump’s Middle East policy, describing the war as ‘absurd, cruel and illegal.’
Madrid also denied the use of its military bases in Rota and Moron for strikes on Iran, prompting Trump to threaten a “total” trade embargo on Spain.
Trump has repeatedly criticised NATO and has previously threatened to withdraw the US from the alliance altogether.
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