Spain rejects White House comments that it now backs US-Israel war on Iran – Europe live

03.49 EST Morning opening: Spain dismisses suggestions it changed position on Iran Spain has emphatically dismissed US suggestions that it changed its view on the Iran war and is now prepared to let the US use its bases to support the mission. The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, suggested to reporters last night that Madrid now backed the US’s military action after facing public criticism from Trump, who threatened to “cut off all dealings with Spain.” “I think they heard the president’s message yesterday loud and clear, ” Leavitt told a news briefing. “It is my understanding over the past several hours they’ve agreed to cooperate with the US military.” Well, not really. Our Madrid correspondent Sam Jones says her comments sparked another angry reaction from top Spanish politicians, with foreign minister José Manuel Albares telling Cadena Ser radio on Wednesday night: “Our ‘no to war’ stance remains clear and unequivocal. She may be the White House press secretary, but I’m the foreign minister of Spain and I’m telling her that our position hasn’t changed at all. ” Ouch. In other news, EU foreign ministers are meeting virtually to discuss the latest in the region, as more and more countries begin their evacuation flights, with some even using military flights to get their citizens out. More countries are also expected to decide about sending potential reinforcements to the region and to support EU ally Cyprus , with Germany reportedly considering such a move. I will keep an eye on that. It’s Thursday, 5 March 2026, it’s Jakub Krupa here, and this is Europe Live. Good morning.