Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on Wednesday reaffirmed Spain’s opposition to the ongoing military action against Iran, declaring “no to war” and brushing aside trade threats issued by US President Donald Trump.
In a televised address from his official residence at La Moncloa in Madrid, Sánchez warned that the escalating conflict in the Middle East was akin to “playing Russian roulette” with millions of lives.
He said Spain would not support actions it considers harmful to global stability or contrary to its own values and interests, regardless of potential reprisals.
Trump had threatened to halt US trade with Spain after Madrid refused to permit American forces to use the jointly operated Rota and Morón air bases in southern Spain for strikes on Iran.
Although the facilities are shared by both nations, they remain under Spanish command. Trump criticised Spain as a “terrible partner” in NATO and signalled that Washington could unilaterally use the bases if it chose to do so.
Sánchez has consistently described the US and Israeli military strikes on Iran as “unjustifiable” and “dangerous,” cautioning that the conflict risked turning into another prolonged war similar to past US interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Summarising his government’s stance, he said it could be reduced to four words: “No to the war.”
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While not directly addressing the trade threat, the Spanish prime minister said his government was examining economic measures to shield citizens from the fallout of the Middle East crisis.
He also stressed that opposing military escalation did not amount to supporting Iran’s leadership, but rather reflected a commitment to peace and international law.
Spain’s position mirrors its outspoken approach on other global conflicts. Sánchez has previously criticised Israel’s response to the 2023 Hamas attacks and has been among the most vocal European leaders condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Spain also moved to recognise a Palestinian state ahead of several other European Union members.
It remains unclear how the United States could suspend trade with Spain, as the country is part of the European Union, which negotiates trade agreements collectively on behalf of its 27 member states.
