Spain rejects White House claim of military cooperation with US in Iran war
Madrid: Spain has rejected a claim by the White House that Madrid had agreed to cooperate militarily with the United States amid the ongoing conflict with Iran, even as US President Donald Trump warned of trade consequences over Spain’s stance.
Al Jazeera reported that White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Wednesday that Spain had reconsidered its earlier position of not allowing its military bases to be used in the war against Iran.
“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,” Leavitt said.
Clearly denying the assertion, Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said the claim was incorrect and insisted that Madrid’s position had not changed. “Not a single comma has changed, and I have no idea whatsoever what they might be referring to,” Albares said in an interview with the Hora25 radio programme.
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Trump had earlier criticised Spain’s opposition to the war, describing its stance as “terrible” and threatening economic retaliation. “We’re going to cut off all trade with Spain. We don’t want anything to do with Spain,” he said on Tuesday.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez reaffirmed his government’s opposition to the conflict, recalling past military interventions in the region. “The world, Europe, and Spain have faced this critical moment before. In 2003, a few irresponsible leaders dragged us into an illegal war in the Middle East that brought nothing but insecurity and pain,” Sánchez wrote on social media.
He added that Spain’s position remained firmly against war, violations of international law and “the illusion that we can solve the world’s problems with bombs”.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian praised Spain’s stand, saying it reflected ethical responsibility.
“Spain’s responsible conduct in opposing the Zionist-American coalition’s flagrant human rights violations and military aggression against countries, including Iran, shows that ethics and awakened consciences still exist in the West,” he wrote in a post on social media.
Within Europe, Spain has been among the few countries to openly oppose the attacks on Iran. The European Union has instead called for de-escalation and protection of civilians without directly rejecting the US and Israeli military action.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Iran’s missile and nuclear programmes and its support for armed groups pose a serious threat to global security, adding that the bloc has imposed sanctions on Tehran while continuing to back diplomatic engagement on the nuclear issue.
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Punjab-origin social media influencer Nancy Grewal stabbed to death in Canada
Ontario: Nancy Grewal, a 45-year-old social media influencer originally from Punjab, was killed in a stabbing incident in Canada on March 3 evening, according to reports.
Emergency services responded shortly before 9.30 pm to the 2400 block of Todd Lane following reports of a stabbing, according to a report by ctvnews.ca. The victim was later identified as Grewal, who was known on social media for her outspoken views.
Her family confirmed her death through a post on her Instagram account. “With a very heavy heart I share that my beloved sister Nancy Grewal has passed away on 3 March 2026. I lost my sister, my strength, my forever friend. Rest in Peace, my sister. You will always live in our hearts,” the post said.
Grewal had gained popularity online for sharing strong opinions on political issues, including India-Canada relations. According to a report by The Tribune, she had criticised the previous Justin Trudeau government and had also spoken against pro-Khalistan groups.
Following the incident, the LaSalle Police Service cordoned off two residences, an empty parking lot and a wooded area near Todd Lane as part of the investigation.
Police expressed condolences to the family and friends of the victim. “The LaSalle Police Service offers our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Ms. Grewal,” the department said in a social media post.
