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Sánchez reaffirms Spain's opposition to war amid US threats
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has firmly rejected US President Donald Trump's threat to cut off trade with Spain, reasserting Madrid's commitment to peace and international law in a televised address from Madrid on Wednesday.
Trump's trade ultimatum
Trump announced on Tuesday that the US would sever all trade ties with Spain, accusing Madrid of being a "terrible partner" in NATO and refusing to allow American forces to use the jointly operated bases at Morón and Rota for strikes against Iran.
"Spain has been terrible," Trump said during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. "We're going to cut off all trade with Spain. We don't want anything to do with Spain."
Merz later clarified that Germany could not pursue a separate trade deal with the US while excluding Spain, emphasizing the need for a unified European approach.
European solidarity with Spain
In response to Trump's threats, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his "solidarity" with Spain during a phone call with Sánchez on Wednesday. European Council President António Costa also contacted Sánchez to convey the EU's "full support."
Trump's criticism extended beyond Spain's refusal to support military action against Iran. He also accused Madrid of failing to meet NATO's defense spending target of 5% of GDP, a claim Sánchez has not directly addressed in recent statements.
Sánchez's warning on war and legality
In his 10-minute address, Sánchez framed Spain's position as a principled stand against war, drawing parallels to conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and Iraq. He argued that responding to one violation of international law with another would only lead to greater global instability.
"The question is not if we are on the side of the ayatollahs-nobody is. The question is whether we are in favor of peace and international legality."
Pedro Sánchez, Spanish Prime Minister
Sánchez referenced the 2003 Iraq War, which he described as a failure that worsened conditions for civilians, warning that a similar outcome could result from military action against Iran. His remarks echoed Spain's historical opposition to the Iraq invasion, a deeply unpopular decision under the conservative government of José María Aznar, which contributed to the Socialist Party's surprise election victory in 2004.
Domestic political pressures
While Sánchez's defiance of Trump may bolster his standing among Spanish voters-77% of whom hold a "bad" or "very bad" opinion of the US president, according to a recent CIS poll-his coalition government faces significant internal challenges.
Allegations of corruption against allies and members of his inner circle have weakened his position, and his fragile parliamentary majority, reliant on left-wing and regional nationalist parties, has fueled speculation about the government's stability.
Spain's polarized political landscape means Sánchez's support is driven as much by opposition to the right and far right as by endorsement of his policies. His firm stance against Trump's threats could resonate with voters, but the potential economic repercussions remain a source of anxiety for many Spaniards.
Contrasting European responses
Sánchez's position stands in stark contrast to that of German Chancellor Merz, who suggested in a television interview on Tuesday that regime change in Iran could improve global security, though he acknowledged the risks involved.
Unlike Spain, several NATO allies-including the UK, France, and Greece-have signaled willingness to participate in military responses to the conflict. Sánchez, however, reiterated Spain's solidarity with nations "illegally attacked by the Iranian regime" without committing to direct military involvement.
Economic measures under review
Sánchez confirmed that the government is studying economic measures to mitigate the impact of the escalating tensions on Spanish citizens, though he did not specify whether these plans were a direct response to Trump's trade threats.
As the standoff continues, uncertainty lingers over whether Trump's rhetoric will translate into concrete economic reprisals, leaving many in Spain watching developments closely.
