Madrid, Spain. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez reiterated his opposition to the attack on Iran by the United States and Israel, warning the conflict risked triggering a major global disaster. He spoke after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to cut trade with Madrid over its stance and Spain’s refusal to allow use of jointly operated bases for the offensive.
Trade threat and base access dispute
Sanchez was responding after Trump threatened to cut trade with Spain over its position on the conflict and its refusal to allow U.S. aircraft to use jointly operated naval and air bases in southern Spain for the offensive against Tehran. In a televised address, Sanchez said Spain would not act to avoid reprisals, stating the country would not be complicit in actions he said were contrary to its values and interests.
Warnings of escalation and criticism of leaders
Sanchez said governments existed to improve people’s lives and criticised leaders who “use the fog of war to hide their failure” at home. He warned that major disasters can begin this way and said, “You cannot play Russian roulette with the destiny of millions.”
Rising tensions with allies and Israel’s response
Tensions between the two NATO allies increased after Sanchez denounced the U.S. and Israeli bombings of Iran as reckless and illegal, while most other European nations have withheld direct critique of the attacks. Israel also criticised Sanchez, accusing him of “standing with tyrants” in Iran and Palestine.
Spain’s stance on defensive operations and support to Cyprus
Spain has refrained so far from involving itself in defensive operations, even as Britain, France, and Greece have sent armaments to Cyprus, which was struck by a drone on Monday, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer authorised use of UK bases for defensive strikes on Tehran.
“No to the war” position
Sanchez said the world could not solve its problems with conflicts and bombs. He summarised Spain’s position as “No to the war,” adding that the stance was not naive but coherent.
How do you view Spain’s refusal to support the offensive against Tehran despite the risk of trade reprisals?