Rubio targets Spain and allies
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has criticised Spain and other NATO allies for providing limited support in the ongoing conflict with Iran, suggesting Washington may reassess its commitments to the alliance once the conflict concludes.
Restricted access to airspace and bases
Rubio highlighted that the United States was denied permission to use Spanish airspace and faced obstacles accessing military bases, including Rota and Morón in Andalusia, which are jointly operated by Spain and the US. He noted that NATO enables the US to station troops and equipment abroad, but if allies refuse access during critical operations, the arrangement is “not a very good deal.”
Rubio emphasised that NATO cannot be a “one-way street” and warned that the US commitment could be reconsidered after the conflict. He expressed hope that the issue could be addressed over time.
Spain’s stance
Spain recently closed its airspace to flights linked to the Iran conflict and previously restricted US use of strategic bases, reflecting broader concerns over NATO members’ participation in US-led operations. The conflict, initiated by the US and Israel, does not trigger NATO’s collective defence clause under Article 5.
Also read: Spain closes airspace to US planes involved in Iran war
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