Spain’s government has defended its refusal to support new military action in the Middle East, even as US President Donald Trump warned he could cut trade ties with the European country.
In a short televised speech from Madrid, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said his government’s position was simple: “no to war.”
The message came after tension rose between Washington and Madrid over the conflict involving Iran. The United States had sought permission to use joint military bases in southern Spain, Morón and Rota for possible strikes. Spain declined.
Trump reacted sharply during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
“Spain has been terrible,” Trump said.
“We’re going to cut off all trade with Spain. We don’t want anything to do with Spain.”
The threat created immediate concern in Spain and across Europe because the United States is one of Spain’s key trading partners.
In response, European leaders quickly signaled support for Madrid. French President Emmanuel Macron called Sánchez to show what officials described as “solidarity.” European Council President António Costa also spoke with the Spanish leader and said the European Union stood behind Spain.
During his address, Sánchez did not directly mention Trump’s trade warning. Instead, he focused on the wider danger of military conflict.
“The question is not if we are on the side of the ayatollahs [Iran’s clerical rulers] – nobody is. The question is whether we are in favor of peace and international legality,” he said.
“You cannot answer one illegality with another, because that is how the great catastrophes of humanity begin.”
The Spanish leader compared the situation to earlier conflicts such as the war in Ukraine and the war in Gaza. His government has strongly criticized Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and has supported recognition of a Palestinian state.
Sánchez also pointed to the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 as a warning about what could happen if the conflict with Iran grows.
At that time, Spain supported the invasion under then-Prime Minister José María Aznar. The decision led to massive protests across the country.
Sánchez said the leaders who backed the invasion including former US President George W. Bush and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, left Europe with “a more insecure world and worse life.”
Spain’s position also puts it at odds with some NATO partners. Countries like the UK, France, and Greece have signaled stronger military support around the crisis, while Spain has not committed troops or military involvement.
Trump has also criticized Spain for failing to raise its defense spending to 5% of its economic output, a target discussed within the NATO alliance.
The tension comes at a difficult moment for Sánchez at home. His coalition government has faced months of political pressure and corruption accusations involving some allies. The government also holds a fragile majority in parliament.