Madrid, Spain. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez reiterated his opposition to the U.S. and Israeli attack on Iran, warning the conflict risked playing “Russian roulette” with the lives of millions. He spoke after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to cut trade with Madrid over its position.
Sanchez warns of broader consequences
In a televised address to the nation, Sanchez said, “This is how humanity’s great disasters start … You cannot play Russian roulette with destiny of millions.” He added that the world could not solve its problems with conflicts and bombs.
Rising tensions between NATO allies
Tensions between the two NATO allies increased after Sanchez denounced the U.S. and Israeli bombings of Iran as reckless and illegal. He later banned U.S. aircraft from using naval and air bases in southern Spain for the offensive against Tehran.
“No to the war,” Sanchez says
Sanchez said the Spanish government’s position could be summarised in four words: “No to the war,” adding that the stance was not disingenuous but coherent. “We’re not going to be complicit in something that’s bad for the world nor contrary to our values and interests simply to avoid reprisals from someone,” Sanchez said, appearing to reference Trump’s trade threats.
Iraq war cited as a warning
Sanchez pointed to the negative knock-on effects of the Iraq war, including a rise in jihadist terrorism and soaring energy prices, to argue that the consequences of the attack on Iran were uncertain and would not lead to a more just international order.
How do you think Spain’s stance could affect its relations with the United States and other NATO allies?