Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has reaffirmed his government’s staunch opposition to the ongoing military strikes involving the United States and Israel in Iran, saying “no to the war” even as U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to cut trade ties with Madrid in response to Spain’s refusal to allow U.S. military use of its bases for operations connected to the conflict.
In a televised address, Sánchez described the escalation in the Middle East as “unjustifiable” and “dangerous,” warning that it risks “playing Russian roulette with the fate of millions of lives.” He insisted that Spain will not be “complicit in something that is bad for the world” out of fear of external reprisals, framing his stance as rooted in national values and international law.
The trade threat from Washington followed Sánchez’s decision to withhold permission for the U.S. to use Spanish military bases for Iran operations — a move that has drawn sharp criticism from the Trump administration but solidarity from other European Union (EU) leaders. Trade policy between the U.S. and EU countries is negotiated collectively by the European Union, complicating any unilateral trade penalties against Spain.
Sánchez also drew historical parallels to past conflicts, including the Iraq war, and reiterated his call for diplomacy and peaceful resolution. He has stressed that opposition to military action against Iran does not mean support for Iran’s policies, but rather reflects a broader commitment to conflict avoidance and upholding international norms.
The EU has expressed full support for Spain’s position and made clear that it will defend its member states in trade negotiations and in maintaining economic relations with the United States. Spanish business groups have voiced concern about possible economic repercussions but remain hopeful that ties will remain stable despite political tensions.
Swifteradio.com
