MOSCOW, Russia: Spain has warned the United States (US) that if it wants to reshape its relations with Madrid, it should respect international law and bilateral agreements with the European Union, Spanish broadcaster, Cadena Ser reported, citing government sources.
This comes after the recent remarks by US President Donald Trump, who threatened to terminate trade agreements with Spain after Madrid refused to allow Washington to use the Rota and Moron military bases in southern Spain for the US operations in Iran, reported Sputnik/RIA Novosti.
Spain is a “key NATO member” that fulfills its obligations as an ally and contributes significantly to the defence of European territory, sources told the broadcaster.
The country also remains “an EU export power and a reliable trading partner for 195 states worldwide, including the US”, with which it maintains historically strong and mutually beneficial trade ties, Cadena Ser reported.
In addition, Spain has the resources necessary to mitigate potential negative consequences, support affected sectors, and diversify supply chains, should any trade deals with the US be reviewed, the report said.
On Tuesday, Trump said he considered Spain a “terrible” NATO ally.
He also suggested that Washington might have to halt trade with Spain due to its refusal to increase defence spending.
On February 28, the US and Israel launched strikes on targets in Iran, including in Tehran, causing damage and civilian casualties.
Iran retaliated with strikes against Israeli territory, as well as against US military bases across the Middle East.
The strikes against Iran occurred despite Oman-brokered talks between Washington and Tehran on the Iranian nuclear issue in Geneva.
In the wake of US and Israeli strikes on Iran, Spain denied the US permission to use jointly operated military bases on its territory for their attacks.
Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, further condemned the operations against the Islamic Republic. – BERNAMA-SPUTNIK/RIA NOVOSTI
