Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez publicly rejected demands from U.S. President Donald Trump to allow jointly operated military bases in Andalucía to be used in operations against Iran, escalating a diplomatic dispute and positioning Spain as a dissenting voice among European nations.
Sánchez Rejects U.S. Demands
The address, delivered Wednesday morning, came hours after Trump threatened to cut off trade with Spain over its refusal to grant access to the bases. Sánchez argued that another war in the Middle East would destabilize the world and have dire economic consequences, and criticized leaders who would “manipulate or profit from global conflicts.”
“It is absolutely unacceptable that those leaders who are incapable of fulfilling this duty use the smokescreen of war to hide their failure and, in the process, line the pockets of a select few – the same ones as always; the only ones who profit when the world stops building hospitals and starts building missiles,” Sánchez stated.
He further asserted, “We will not be complicit in something that is bad for the world and that is also contrary to our values and interests, simply out of fear of reprisals from someone.”
Political Reactions
While a recent survey indicated only 15.7% of Spaniards hold a favorable opinion of the U.S. president, Sánchez’s stance resonated with many who remember the country’s support for the 2003 invasion of Iraq under then-Prime Minister José María Aznar.
Opposition leaders criticized Sánchez’s address. Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the People’s party, accused the prime minister of partisan politics and jeopardizing Spain’s relationship with the U.S. Santiago Abascal, leader of the far-right Vox party, suggested the decision was influenced by “ayatollahs” and linked it to corruption scandals facing Sánchez’s administration.
A Pattern of Dissent
Sánchez’s stance is consistent with his previous criticisms of international policy, including his condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza, where he accused the country of “exterminating a defenceless people,” and his opposition to U.S. efforts to overthrow Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela.
He has also advocated for the benefits of immigration, diverging from more restrictive policies adopted by other European leaders.
While Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has rallied European leaders against Trump’s past proposals, Sánchez has not received similar widespread support from major European capitals.
European Responses
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed “European solidarity” in the face of the U.S. trade threats, and is attempting to de-escalate the international conflict. France has deployed its aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle, to the eastern Mediterranean for a “strictly defensive” presence.
Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz, however, struck a more conciliatory tone, stating that lecturing allies would be unproductive and prioritizing cooperation on issues like Ukraine and tariffs. He later said he privately defended Spain and the UK to Trump.
Italy’s position is ambiguous, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni attempting to balance relations with both the U.S. and Europe. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto stated the strikes against Iran “fell outside… the rules of international law.”
The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, claimed Spain had reversed its position and would cooperate with the offensive, a claim swiftly dismissed by Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, who reaffirmed Spain’s “no to war” stance.
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