A leaked Pentagon email suggests Spain should be expelled from NATO after Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez refused U.S. military access to Spanish bases or airspace for the Iran war.
The protest in Madrid signals strong public support for Sanchez’s stance against U.S. pressure, as tensions escalate between the Spanish government and President Trump over Spain’s role in the conflict.
This dispute highlights broader divisions within NATO regarding the U.S.-led war in Iran and raises questions about alliance unity, with Spain’s position drawing attention from both domestic and international observers.
How does a leaked Pentagon email threaten to unravel Spain's long-standing position in NATO?
What is driving the violent 'sea war' between local and foreign fishermen off West Africa?
Why is a US security firm using live fire in Gaza being considered for a new contract?
With US aid cuts linked to deaths in Myanmar, what is the true human cost of this policy?
Why are women in Mexico reviving ancient Aztec farms to save a fragile modern ecosystem?
How did US firms help build China’s surveillance network, and can the damage be undone?
Spain's Defiant Stand: Closing Bases to U.S. Forces Sparks Historic Transatlantic Crisis in 2026
Overview
In early 2026, Spain firmly opposed U.S. military actions against Iran by closing its airspace and denying base access, rooted in a national trauma from the 2003 Iraq War and strong public anti-war sentiment. This refusal triggered sharp criticism and trade threats from President Trump, escalating tensions within NATO and causing a crisis of trust among allies. Spain's principled stance, including an arms embargo on Israel and urging the EU to suspend agreements with Israel, deepened the rift. Domestically, Prime Minister Sánchez leveraged widespread public support to strengthen his political position, while opposition parties warned of risks to Spain's security and alliances. The crisis highlights growing fractures in transatlantic relations and Spain's push for greater European autonomy.