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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez labeled the US-Israeli conflict in Iran a “catastrophe,” drawing parallels to Russia’s incursion into Ukraine and Israel’s offensive on Gaza. This came after US President Donald Trump menaced to sever commercial links with Spain due to the hostilities.
On Wednesday, Sánchez voiced his opposition to the Iranian government, contending that the assault on the nation constituted a violation of global statutes. In his national address, he asserted, “One cannot counter an unlawful act with further unlawful conduct.”
Spain’s steadfast objection to the hostilities, which has positioned it as an exception in Europe, aligned with its stance on the clashes in Ukraine and Gaza, Sánchez explained, summarizing its viewpoint as “a rejection of warfare.”
“Our opposition to this calamity stems from our conviction that administrations exist to enhance citizens’ well-being, to offer resolutions to challenges, rather than to degrade societal conditions,” he declared.
He drew a comparison between the current Iran conflict and the 2003 US incursion into Iraq, noting that the latter had resulted in increased terrorism, a migratory predicament in Europe, and a sharp rise in fuel costs.
“Indeed, it remains premature to ascertain if the Iran hostilities will yield repercussions akin to those of Iraq,” he stated. “What is clear, however, is that it will neither foster a more equitable global framework nor contribute to improved incomes, superior public provisions, or a more salubrious ecosystem.”
Trump, on Tuesday, directed his government to “sever” all commercial connections with Spain. This directive came as retribution for Spain’s unwillingness to permit the US to utilize its military installations for striking Iran. The US president remarked, “Spain’s conduct has been deplorable.”
Trump, additionally pointing out Spain’s rejection of Nato’s objective for dedicating 5 percent of its GDP to defense, asserted: “Spain possesses nothing of absolute necessity to us apart from its exceptional populace. They have remarkable individuals, yet they lack commendable governance.”
While Sánchez did not directly address the commercial ultimatum, he declared: “We possess unwavering faith in the financial, governmental, and, I would venture to say, ethical fortitude of our nation.”
The Iran confrontation signifies a fresh nadir in the rapport between Trump and Sánchez, the European Union’s foremost left-leaning figure, who has frequently disagreed with the White House concerning matters spanning military expenditures, Gaza, China, and the influence of major technology corporations.