Unlike the UK, Spain has refused to provide military bases for the US and Israel to attack Iran
Reuters, Madrid: Spanish Foreign Minister Albares (Jose Manuel Albares) stated on Monday that Spain will not allow its military bases to be used for attacks on Iran.
Reuters pointed out that after the US and Israel attacked Iran, flight tracking websites showed that 15 US military aircraft had left the Rota and Moron military bases in southern Spain.
Spanish Defense Minister Rojo said that these aircraft were mainly aerial refueling planes, including Boeing KC-135 "Stratotanker," which had long been stationed in Spain.
The aforementioned bases are jointly operated by the US and Spain, but sovereignty belongs to Spain.
Spain had previously condemned the US and Israel's air strike actions against Iran.
In response, Reuters noted that Spain's stance and Prime Minister Sanchez of the Socialist Party's strong condemnation of the US-Israel action have made Spain stand out among regional countries, possibly further escalating tensions with Washington.
FlightRadar24 data shows that at least 7 military aircraft landed at the Ramstein Air Base in Germany.
Data shows that nine refueling aircraft took off from the Moron base on Sunday heading to Germany; two others flew from the Rota naval base towards southern France; and four others took off from Rota, but their specific routes were not displayed.
Reuters also mentioned that the UK initially also refused to allow its bases to be used for military operations against Iran, but on Sunday, March 1st, Prime Minister Starmer authorized the use of relevant facilities under the framework of "collective self-defense."
On the evening of March 1st, British Prime Minister Starmer issued a statement saying that the UK has agreed to the US using British military bases for "specific and limited" defensive purposes. He said that Gulf countries had asked the UK to increase its defense efforts, and the UK had already deployed aircraft in the region to carry out missions and successfully intercepted Iranian attacks. Starmer also stated that the UK did not participate in the strike against Iran.
On the same day, March 1st, the leaders of the UK, France, and Germany issued a joint statement saying that they may take "necessary and proportional defensive actions" against Iran to destroy its ability to launch missiles and drones.
France is willing to provide defense assistance to Gulf allies
According to AFP, French Foreign Minister Barrot (Jean-Noel Barrot) said today, the 3rd, that France is willing to assist in defense upon request from Gulf allies based on the principle of collective self-defense under international law. A French military base in Abu Dhabi was also attacked by a drone yesterday.
Barrot also mentioned that the US and Israel's "unilateral strike" on Iran on the 28th should first go through discussions at the UN Security Council to obtain necessary legitimacy.
After leading a crisis meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Barrot told the media, "We are ready to contribute to the defense of regional partners who are specifically targeted and attacked by the Iranian regime."
Source: rfi
Original: toutiao.com/article/1858599808302090/
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