Spain's Prime Minister Condemns US and Israel's Actions in Iran

In a recent address, Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the military actions of the US and Israel in Iran, warning of the potential dangers to millions of lives. He firmly stated that Spain would not support the war, despite threats from President Trump regarding trade relations. Sanchez's remarks highlight Spain's commitment to peace and international legality, drawing parallels with its stance on other global conflicts. This article delves into Sanchez's strong opposition to military intervention and the implications of Trump's threats on Spain's foreign policy.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 4, 2026, 18:19 IST

Sanchez's Strong Stance Against Military Intervention

On Wednesday, Pedro Sanchez, the Prime Minister of Spain, expressed strong disapproval of the military actions taken by the United States and Israel in Iran. He cautioned that the ongoing conflict poses a significant threat to millions of lives and emphasized that Spain would not endorse the war, despite pressure from Washington. In a televised speech, Sanchez firmly rejected the demands from US President Donald Trump, who had threatened to sever trade ties with Spain after the country declined to permit the US to utilize its military bases for operations against Iran.

"We refuse to be complicit in actions that are detrimental to global peace and contradict our values and interests, simply out of fear of retaliation," Sanchez stated.

Previously, Sanchez labeled the US and Israeli strikes on Iran as both "unjustifiable" and "dangerous." He warned that the escalating tensions in the Middle East could lead to another extended and costly conflict, reminiscent of past US military engagements in Iraq and Afghanistan. "In summary, the Spanish government's position can be encapsulated in four words: No to the war," he declared.

Trump's recent threats came after Spain's refusal to allow US forces to operate from the Rota and Moron air bases in southern Spain, which, while jointly used, remain under Spanish control. During a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump remarked, "Spain has been terrible. We will cut off all trade with Spain. We want nothing to do with them."

Additionally, Trump criticized Spain for not meeting NATO's defense spending target of 5% of GDP, calling it a "terrible partner." He mentioned that the US could still use the bases if it chose to, stating, "We could just fly in and use it. Nobody's going to stop us, but we don't have to." However, it remains uncertain how Trump could effectively halt trade with Spain, given that Spain is part of the European Union, which negotiates trade agreements for all member states.

In his address from La Moncloa, Sanchez indicated that the government was considering economic measures to mitigate the conflict's impact on the Spanish populace, although he did not directly address Trump's trade threats. He emphasized that the issue is not about siding with the ayatollahs, but rather about supporting peace and international law. Sanchez's stance aligns with his previous criticisms of Israel's military actions in Gaza and Ukraine, where he has been vocal against Israel's response to Hamas attacks in 2023. Spain has been one of the most vocal European nations regarding the situation in Gaza, labeling Israel's actions as "genocide" and recognizing a Palestinian state ahead of many other EU countries.