Spain Rejects US Pressure, Opposes War with Iran

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has reaffirmed his country's firm opposition to a potential war with Iran, despite facing threats from the United States. In a televised address to the nation on Wednesday, March 4, Sanchez condemned what he termed a "human catastrophe."

He urged against repeating "the mistakes of the past," alluding to the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq, which he stated failed to achieve its objectives and instead brought instability and suffering to the region.

"The position of the Government of Spain can be summed up in two words: 'no war.' We will not be accomplices to what harms peace and contradicts our values and interests, simply out of fear of retaliation. That is how great human disasters begin," declared Sanchez.

The Prime Minister warned against "playing Russian roulette with the fate of millions," asserting that this stance is shared by many other governments and millions of citizens across Europe, North America, and the Middle East who desire no new wars.

The European Commission expressed solidarity with Madrid. A spokesperson stated Brussels would "ensure the protection of the European Union's interests" and was prepared to act within the framework of common trade policy. The Commission also reminded Washington it must respect a trade agreement concluded with the EU last summer.

French President Emmanuel Macron also backed Sanchez amid US threats. The Elysee Palace reported that Macron held talks with the Spanish leader to express France's "European solidarity" in the face of "recent threats of economic coercion."

This diplomatic stance follows Spain's decision on March 2 to deny a US request to use its military bases at Rota and Moron for attacks against Iran. Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares stated these facilities would not be used for anything outside their bilateral agreement with Washington and the UN Charter.

In response, former US President Donald Trump labeled Spain a "terrible" ally and announced a rupture in trade relations, declaring that America would have nothing more to do with Spain.