Spain's Sánchez Rejects U.S. Bases for Iran Strikes Amid Trump Trade Threat
Sánchez refused U.S. access to Rota and Morón bases for Operation Epic Fury, which has struck nearly 1,700 Iranian targets, forcing American aircraft to relocate to Germany and France. Trump called Spain a 'terrible' NATO ally for low defense spending and ordered a trade cutoff, while Sánchez invoked the 2003 Iraq War's lessons to defend Spain's stance on international law and diplomacy. European Council President António Costa offered EU backing, as the dispute tests NATO unity amid ongoing strikes that have cost six U.S. lives.