Madrid has been one of the fiercest critics of the escalating conflict in the Middle East and has refused to allow the U.S. to use jointly operated military bases on Spanish soil to conduct its strikes. In a televised address on Wednesday, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said respect for international law must be paramount and declared that his country said “no to war.”
Robles stressed that Spain’s opposition to the attacks on Tehran did not make it a less valuable member of NATO. During Thursday’s interview on Spain’s Cadena Ser radio network, the defense minister said a Spanish Patriot anti-aircraft missile battery had helped detect the Iranian missile shot down over Turkey on Wednesday, and insisted Madrid remains a “firmly committed member of the Atlantic Alliance.”
She also confirmed Madrid’s willingness to participate in a defensive mission to Cyprus after Iranian drones targeted British bases on the EU member’s territory. Shortly after the interview, Spain’s defense ministry announced that the Cristobal Colón air-defense frigate, the country’s most technologically advanced ship, had been dispatched to join the Greek and French warships and fighter jets deployed to aid the island nation.
Robles added in the interview that she had met with U.S. Ambassador to Madrid Benjamin León Jr. on Wednesday evening and told him that while Spain is a faithful ally, it is also determined to uphold the principles of multinationalism and its own sovereignty.
“Spain is a proud country that will not be lectured to,” Robles said. “We demand respect.”