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A top official from Spain has shot back at the White House after it claimed that Spain had agreed to cooperate with US military operations in the war against Iran.

Some shit you should know before you dig in: Yesterday, President Trump made headlines after threatening to cut off trade with Spain and even impose an embargo after the Spanish government denied US forces permission to use key military bases for operations tied to the war with Iran. While speaking alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump saidWe’re going to cut off all trade with Spain. We don’t want anything to do with Spain,and warned he couldstop everything having to do with Spain… Embargoes. Do anything I want with it.The dispute centers on Naval Station Rota and Morón Air Base, which are jointly used by the US and Spain but remain under Spanish sovereignty, with Spanish officials saying the bases cannot be used for operations outside the bilateral defense agreement or international law. Spain’s refusal forced at least 15 US aircraft involved in the Middle East military buildup to leave the bases and relocate largely to Ramstein Air Base in Germany. The bases in Spain are strategically important to the US as they sit at the gateway between the Atlantic and Mediterranean and serve as a secure logistics hub for US operations toward the Middle East.

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What’s going on now: In a notable development, Spain has denied claims made by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who suggested the country had reversed course and agreed to cooperate with US military operations. While speaking with reporters at the White House, Leavitt said,With respect to Spain, I think they heard the president’smessage yesterday loud and clear, and it’s my understanding, over the past several hours, they’ve agreed to cooperate with the US military.Spanish officials quickly rejected that characterization, with Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares saying the claim was not true and that their position had not changed.

Speaking to the Hora25 radio program, Albares said he denied the White House’s assertion “categorically,” adding that “not a single comma has changed, and I have no idea whatsoever what they might be referring to.”

There has been no comment from the White House.

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