Spain will send a war frigate to Cyprus

Spain will send military support to Cyprus in response to the attacks it is receiving from IranThis will be Spain's first military involvement in the Middle East conflict, although it will be in a defensive capacity. Specifically, the Spanish government will send a warship. Christopher Columbus, that will accompany the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and other ships of the Greek Navy. The frigate joined the Naval Group on March 3rd to carry out escort, protection, and advanced training duties in the Baltic Sea. Now, the group will head towards the Mediterranean to reach the coast of Crete around March 10th.

The Ministry of Defense confirmed this Thursday morning the deployment of military support to the easternmost EU country. In addition to the Christopher ColumbusThe supply ship will also briefly put to sea. Cantabria to supply fuel and provide logistical support during the Naval Group's transit through the Gulf of Cádiz. Defense Minister Margarita Robles emphasized that it would be an action to "defend peace" and within a European context.

"The Christopher Columbus It is our most technologically advanced frigate. Its mission in the Mediterranean will be to provide air defense and protection, thus complementing the capabilities of our battery. Patriot deployed in Turkey,” the ministry detailed in a statement. It also added that the frigate will be ready to support any evacuation of civilian personnel that may be affected by the conflict, and that this military support is a demonstration of Spain’s commitment to “the defense of the EU and its eastern border.”

This Sunday, the British Ministry of Defense confirmed the impact of a suspected drone on its military base in Akrotiri, Cyprus. The Cypriot government detailed the incident, reporting an “unmanned aircraft that caused limited damage,” Euronews reports. It is believed to be a drone that originated in Lebanon, where the Hezbollah militia has joined Iran in responding to attacks by the United States and Israel. In response to the attack, countries such as France, Greece, and the United Kingdom decided to provide military support to the country a few days ago.

Tensions over Spanish military bases

The option of providing military support to Cyprus comes amid high tension between the Trump administration and the government of Pedro Sánchez. This Wednesday, in fact, The White House asserted that Spain had agreed to "cooperate militarily" with the U.S. After the government assured that it would not authorize the use of the US military bases in Rota and Morón, La Moncloa, annoyed, quickly denied it and reiterated that this assistance would not be provided.

Robles, in an interview with Cadena Ser, has once again made it clear thatSpain's position has not changed"We don't believe in wars," she asserted, reiterating that the use of these military bases will not be authorized. Regarding the reason for the White House spokesperson's remarks, the Defense Minister sought to close the matter: "They know it's not true. Words are just words. I won't speculate; obviously, it could be a retreat they're trying to make after Trump's inappropriate statements."

Robles met yesterday with the ambassador of the United States in Spain, But he denies that this meeting could be the origin of the White House spokeswoman's words, in which she asserted Spanish military support for the war against Iran: "When she was speaking, I was still meeting with the ambassador; therefore, it's impossible." Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares also reiterated that there has been "no change" regarding the possible use of the Rota and Morón air bases by the U.S. military. "I have no idea," he said when asked about the White House's statements this Thursday on Catalunya Ràdio. "The important thing is the decision of the Spanish government, which is very clear," he emphasized. "Spain stands on the side of international law, de-escalation, and returning to the negotiating table," he concluded.