Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has declared that Spain will not back any move that breaches international law or endangers global stability, following a sharp diplomatic fallout with the United States.
Sánchez spoke to reporters on Wednesday after US President Donald Trump announced plans to halt trade relations with Spain. The decision came after Madrid reportedly refused Washington permission to use jointly operated military bases on Spanish soil for strikes against Iran.
Reacting to Spain’s stance, Trump described the country as “very uncooperative” and labelled it a “terrible partner.” He further stated that the US was “going to cut off all trade” and instructed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to “cut off all dealings” with Spain.
In response, the Spanish government insisted it was prepared for any economic consequences. “We have the necessary resources to contain the possible impact of the trade embargo by the US,” officials said shortly after Trump’s announcement.
Reaffirming his government’s position, Sánchez emphasised that Spain’s foreign policy is rooted in peace.
“The position of the Spanish government can be summed up in four words: no to war,” he said.
He added, “It is the same position we have maintained in Ukraine and also in Gaza: firstly, no to the breaking of international law that protects us all – especially the most defenceless, the civilian population – and, secondly, no to assuming that the world can only solve its problems through conflict, through bombs.”
Addressing critics who framed the issue as support for Iran’s leadership, Sánchez clarified Spain’s stance.
“The question is not whether or not we are in favour of the ayatollahs; nobody is.
“Certainly, the Spanish people are not, and, of course, neither is the Spanish government. The question, on the other hand, is whether or not we are on the side of international legality and, therefore, of peace.”
The prime minister also warned against repeating historical errors, referencing the US-led invasion of Iraq more than two decades ago under former President George W. Bush, which was justified at the time by claims that Saddam Hussein’s regime possessed weapons of mass destruction.
According to Sánchez, that war “produced the opposite effect” by triggering “the greatest wave of insecurity that our continent has suffered since the fall of the Berlin Wall.”
He concluded by urging the United States, Israel, and Iran to de-escalate tensions and seek a diplomatic resolution “before it is too late.”
