00:00A sharp diplomatic clash has erupted after Caroline Levitt claimed that Spain agreed
00:04to cooperate with the United States military following pressure from President Donald Trump.
00:08But Spain's government quickly rejected the statement, with its foreign minister directly
00:12contradicting the White House. The controversy began during a White House media briefing,
00:17where Levitt said Spain had shifted its stance after Trump warned of economic consequences.
00:21Speaking to reporters, Levitt said Spain had
00:24heard the president's message loud and clear, and had agreed to cooperate with the U.S. military.
00:29She added that it was her understanding that coordination between U.S. forces
00:32and Spanish counterparts was already underway. However, within minutes of those comments,
00:37Spain's Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares publicly denied the claim.
00:41In an interview with Spanish radio station Cadena Ser, Albares stated that Spain's position had
00:46not changed one iota. He said the Spanish government continues to oppose the bombing of Iran and the
00:52use of Spanish bases for the operation. Spain has specifically refused to allow the United States
00:57military to use jointly operated bases located in the southern part of the country.
01:01Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has also been outspoken about his government's stance.
01:06In a national address, Sánchez criticized the attacks on Iran and described them as unjustifiable.
01:11He accused Trump of playing Russian roulette with people's lives and made clear that Spain would not
01:17support actions it believes are harmful to global stability. Sánchez said Spain would not become
01:22complicit in something that it views as damaging to the world or contrary to the country's values and
01:27interests. Meanwhile, Trump had earlier warned that the United States could cut off trade relations
01:32with Spain if it continued to refuse cooperation with the military operation. The president also
01:37suggested that the United States could still use the bases regardless of Spain's approval,
01:42saying the U.S. could simply fly in and operate there if necessary. Trump also criticized the United
01:47Kingdom for hesitating before offering support for the U.S. war effort. Share your thoughts in the
01:52comments and do like for more updates.
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