Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez issued a statement countering threats of sanctions from Donald Trump, reaffirming the "No to War" position. He emphasized that the world should not solve problems with bombs and warned of the lessons from the Iraq war that caused devastation for millions. Sanchez insisted Spain would not bow to threats in exchange for the nation's values.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez of Spain took 10 minutes in a televised statement to respond to U.S. President Donald Trump's threat of comprehensive trade sanctions against Spain. Sanchez summarized the Spanish government's position in four words: "No to war."
"This marks the beginning of humanity's great catastrophe. You cannot play Russian roulette with the fate of millions," Sanchez said, stressing that the decision to deny U.S. use of the Moron Air Base and Rota Naval Base in southern Spain for attacks on Iran was based on ethical principles and national interest rather than becoming complicit in wrongdoing just to avoid trade retaliation from someone.
The Spanish Prime Minister also cited lessons from the 2003 Iraq war, which he viewed as a failure to achieve its goals and one that worsened people's living conditions. He warned that an attack on Iran could similarly cause severe economic impacts for millions.
Sanchez added, "It is unacceptable for any president to use the 'fog of war' to cover up their failures." He stated the issue is not whether Spain sides with Iran's Ayatollahs, as no one does, but the crucial question is "whether we choose to stand for peace and international law."
Relations between the two NATO allies have reached a peak of tension after Sanchez condemned the U.S. and Israel's bombing of Iran as irresponsible and illegal. Meanwhile, Trump told German Chancellor Friedrich Merz that "Spain is a very bad ally" for refusing to raise its defense budget to 5% of GDP.
However, the German Chancellor confirmed in Trump's presence that the U.S. cannot make a separate deal with Germany or Europe excluding Spain, as Spain is part of the European Union.
At the end of his statement, Prime Minister Sanchez confirmed that the Spanish government is studying economic measures to cope with potential sanctions and reiterated that Spain will adhere to the same standards applied in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip cases—that is, strict respect for international law.