Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has issued a firm response to former U.S. President Donald Trump, who had threatened to sever trade relations with Spain over its refusal to support U.S. policies regarding the ongoing conflict in Iran.
In a televised address, Sánchez reflected on Spain’s position in the context of international politics, particularly regarding the war in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as the Iraq War. He stated that Spain’s stance on the conflict could be summed up in two words: “No to war”.
Trump had previously stated that Spain’s refusal to allow the U.S. to use its military bases for operations in Iran would lead to a complete trade embargo. This was part of a broader criticism by Trump of Spain’s foreign policy, which he described as a “disaster” in the Middle East.
Sánchez countered by saying that Spain would not be bullied into following U.S. policies, emphasizing that such threats would not alter the country’s diplomatic stance. He further noted that Spain’s position was rooted in a commitment to peace and international law, and the country would continue to advocate for diplomatic solutions to the crisis in Iran and beyond.
The remarks highlight the ongoing tension between the U.S. and several European nations, including Spain, over differing approaches to international diplomacy, particularly regarding the Middle East. Despite the pressure, Sánchez’s government remains committed to its current foreign policy, which stresses negotiation and de-escalation over military intervention.
