www.kcdme.com
Kurdistan Center
for Democracy in the Middle East
Khoyboun Flag
About us
Spain’s Sánchez breaks with European leaders, condemns war on Iran
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemns US strikes on Iran and refuses to allow American forces to use Spanish bases for the war.
09.03.2026
By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
Source:https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/spain-s-s%C3%A1nchez-breaks-with-european-leaders--condemns-war-o
While most European leaders have cautiously navigated the US-Israeli war on Iran, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has openly condemned the US and Israeli strikes, setting Spain apart from many of its European allies.
Sánchez described the attacks as “reckless and illegal,” insisting that Spain would not support military operations that escalate the war. “We will not be complicit in something that is bad for the world and contrary to our values and interests,” Sánchez said in a televised address.
The Spanish government also refused to allow US forces to use military bases in southern Spain, including the Morón air base, to support strikes against Iran.
Tensions with Washington
The decision sparked a sharp response from US President Donald Trump, who threatened potential trade retaliation against Spain.
Speaking at a press conference, Trump said Washington could still use the bases if it chose to.
“We could use their base if we want… nobody’s going to tell us not to use it,” he said.
Madrid quickly rejected the claim that Spain had backed down under US pressure. Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares reaffirmed that Spain’s stance “has not changed at all.”
Europe’s divided response
The dispute highlights growing divisions in Europe over Washington’s aggression on Iran.
Several European governments have sought to maintain a delicate balance, expressing concern about escalation while avoiding direct confrontation with the Trump administration.
Germany and Italy have largely cooperated with Washington, while the United Kingdom only later agreed to allow US bases to be used for operations.
Spain, however, has taken a far more critical position, accusing Washington of "playing Russian roulette with the destiny of millions.”
Domestic political calculations
Analysts say Sánchez’s outspoken criticism may also reflect domestic political considerations.
Public opinion in Spain remains strongly opposed to involvement in US-led wars, and Trump’s popularity in the country is extremely low.
Spain’s government has also warned that the war could trigger higher energy prices, adding further pressure on European economies already facing energy challenges.
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemns US strikes on Iran and refuses to allow American forces to use Spanish bases for the war.
09.03.2026
By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
Source:https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/spain-
While most European leaders have cautiously navigated the US-
Sánchez described the attacks as “reckless and illegal,” insisting that Spain would not support military operations that escalate the war. “We will not be complicit in something that is bad for the world and contrary to our values and interests,” Sánchez said in a televised address.
The Spanish government also refused to allow US forces to use military bases in southern Spain, including the Morón air base, to support strikes against Iran.
Tensions with Washington
The decision sparked a sharp response from US President Donald Trump, who threatened potential trade retaliation against Spain.
Speaking at a press conference, Trump said Washington could still use the bases if it chose to.
“We could use their base if we want… nobody’s going to tell us not to use it,” he said.
Madrid quickly rejected the claim that Spain had backed down under US pressure. Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares reaffirmed that Spain’s stance “has not changed at all.”
Europe’s divided response
The dispute highlights growing divisions in Europe over Washington’s aggression on Iran.
Several European governments have sought to maintain a delicate balance, expressing concern about escalation while avoiding direct confrontation with the Trump administration.
Germany and Italy have largely cooperated with Washington, while the United Kingdom only later agreed to allow US bases to be used for operations.
Spain, however, has taken a far more critical position, accusing Washington of "playing Russian roulette with the destiny of millions.”
Domestic political calculations
Analysts say Sánchez’s outspoken criticism may also reflect domestic political considerations.
Public opinion in Spain remains strongly opposed to involvement in US-
Spain’s government has also warned that the war could trigger higher energy prices, adding further pressure on European economies already facing energy challenges.