State Department dodges questions about public back-and-forth with Spain on use of bases

The State Department is dodging any questions about the ongoing feud between Spain and the U.S. over the use of its military bases.

Speaking to CNN on Thursday, a State Department spokesperson was asked about the back and forth between the two countries, but refused to comment.

A few days ago, Spain announced that President Donald Trump's attacks on Iran violated international law and their agreement for the use of air bases.

“Spanish military bases will not be used for anything that falls outside the agreement with the United States and the United Nations Charter,” said José Manuel Albares, Spain’s foreign minister, in a Sunday interview.

However, on Wednesday, the White House press secretary suggested that Spain had backed away from the assertion.

“With respect to Spain, I think they heard the president’s message yesterday loud and clear, and it’s my understanding, over the past several hours, they’ve agreed to cooperate with the US military,” Karoline Leavitt told reporters.

The foreign minister responded almost immediately, telling Cadena SER radio, “The Spanish government’s position on the war in the Middle East, the bombings in Iran, and the use of our bases has not changed one iota."

“I have absolutely no idea what that could refer to or where it could have come from,” he added.

“I want to make things very clear to the Spanish people. The ‘no to war’ position remains clear and unequivocal,” he also said.

Tommy Pigott was asked, "So what is the reality?"

"Well, military operations, I will refer to the [Defense Department] and the White House. What I can say from the State Department's perspective is what we're doing to help the American people. We're focused 24/7 on that, our highest priority being their safety and security," said Pigott.

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