AssetID: 55530263
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: Bessent Accuses Spain of Putting 'American Lives at Risk' Over Iran Bases Dispute
Caption: Bessent Accuses Spain of Putting ‘American Lives at Risk’ Over Iran Bases Dispute. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent accused Spain of putting “American lives at risk” after Madrid blocked the use of U.S. military bases to launch strikes on Iran. Speaking on CNBC, Bessent said Spain’s restrictions slowed Washington’s ability to carry out the operation “in the fastest, most effective manner”. Spain refused to allow U.S. aircraft to operate from the Morón de la Frontera and Rota air bases during the weekend strikes on Iran. The move prompted President Donald Trump to threaten cutting off trade with Spain and consider imposing an embargo. Under a 1953 defense agreement, Spain has the authority to approve how American forces stationed on its territory are used. Bessent said Trump’s threat of economic retaliation reflected frustration with the government of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. He also criticized Spain’s defense spending, accusing the country of being a NATO “free rider”. Bessent argued that while Spain feels protected by the Pyrenees from Russia, the United States bears a larger burden for NATO security. Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT
Keywords: Current Affairs & Politics,Scott Bessent,Donald Trump,Pedro Sánchez,Spain,U.S. military bases,Morón de la Frontera,Rota air base,Iran strikes,NATO spending,U.S.-Spain tensions,trade threat
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