Sánchez Says No to War as Trump Threatens Spain Trade

In Madrid, Spain's prime minister Pedro Sánchez delivered a firm rebuke to Donald Trump's threat to end all trade if Madrid does not allow American bases to be used for strikes on Iran. Sánchez framed Spain's stance as a principled stand against being drawn into a widening Middle East conflict, insisting 'No to war.' He said Madrid would not be complicit in actions that are 'bad for the world' or contrary to Spain's values, even if that meant facing reprisals from abroad. The speech was a direct response to Trump accusing Spain of blocking U.S. efforts and threatening to shut off trade.

Sánchez argued that responding to one illegality with another would risk triggering humanity's greatest disasters, and warned that a long, costly war would bring serious economic consequences. He invoked the 2003 invasion of Iraq as a cautionary tale against rushing into interventions, stressing that Europe's duty is to seek diplomacy rather than escalate. The prime minister emphasized that Spain's decisions are guided by what he called three words: No to war, a line he said applies across the Atlantic in the face of pressure from allies and rivals alike.

The dispute centers on U.S. requests to use bases in southern Spain for operations against Iran and Madrid's refusal to grant access. Trump had criticized Spain for the decision and warned of consequences on trade and alliance cooperation, including NATO spending. Sánchez's remarks framed the standoff as a test of international law and shared Western values, not a bargaining chip. He stressed that Spain will participate in global security through measured diplomacy, not through casting aside international norms or surrendering to threats.

Observers say the exchange signals a growing rift between Washington and its European allies on how to manage Middle East volatility. For now, Spain says it will continue consulting with partners while protecting its own values and interests.

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