Lorraine Williamson
As fears grow over a wider conflict in the Middle East, the United States has stepped up its military presence in Spain, dispatching additional fighter jets, refuelling aircraft, and bombers to key airbases in Andalucia.
The move has sparked a political row in Madrid, with left-wing party Podemos demanding answers over Spain’s role in potential military operations.
Spain’s Defence Minister, Margarita Robles, confirmed the recent arrivals at the Rota base in Cádiz and Morón de la Frontera near Seville. The aircraft—deployed under long-standing bilateral agreements between Washington and Madrid—form part of a broader US strategy to deter further hostilities between Israel and Iran.
Defensive buildup or offensive staging?
According to the Pentagon, the deployments are purely defensive, aimed at countering missile and drone threats linked to escalating tensions in the Middle East. American officials insist the use of Spanish bases falls within existing treaties that limit, for example, the number of tanker planes at Morón to 15.
Yet reports from international media, including the BBC, suggest the US has stationed at least 30 KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft across various NATO bases in Europe over the past week, including in Spain and the UK. These refuelling jets are crucial in extending the range of US fighters such as the F-16, F-22, and F-35.
Sources close to the operation claim the aircraft have already played a role in intercepting missiles and drones launched by Iran following recent Israeli airstrikes. Though the US has not officially entered the conflict, the scale and speed of its military manoeuvres suggest it is preparing for rapid escalation.
Trump administration signals potential escalation
While US President Donald Trump has so far refrained from direct intervention, his administration has sent increasingly bellicose messages. In a recent social media post, Trump described Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei as “an easy target”, fuelling speculation over Washington’s next move.
Vice President J. D. Vance confirmed that the White House is reviewing its stance on Iranian nuclear activity, suggesting potential “pre-emptive containment” if diplomatic efforts fail. No final decision has been made, but the Pentagon’s rapid mobilisation hints at readiness for multiple scenarios.
Domestic backlash in Spain
Back home, the Spanish government faces growing scrutiny over its involvement—however indirect—in a potential new war. Podemos has formally requested parliamentary clarification on the presence of American aircraft and the scope of their operations. The party is demanding full transparency on whether the deployments are intended to support Israeli military action.
With public support for foreign military entanglements historically low in Spain, any suggestion that Spanish territory is being used to facilitate attacks in the Middle East could prove politically toxic for Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s administration.
What’s next for Spain’s role in global conflict?
Spain’s strategic location has long made it a key partner in NATO and US defence operations. However, as tensions escalate between global powers, the question now is whether that partnership could draw the country into the geopolitical crosshairs. With no signs of de-escalation in the Middle East, the coming weeks may test not only international alliances—but also the limits of Spain’s own political patience.