Spain's prime minister says US war risks playing 'Russian roulette' with lives of millions

SPAIN’S PRIME MINISTER has doubled down on his opposition to the attack ​on Iran by the US and Israel, warning ‌that the conflict risked playing “Russian roulette” with the lives of millions.

US president Donald Trump had threatened to halt all trade with Spain, after the country barred the US from using its military bases as part of its operation in Iran.

“The position of the government of Spain can be summed up in four words: no to war,” he said in a televised address, a day after Trump threatened to sever all trade with Spain.

“We will not be complicit in something that is harmful to the world and contrary to our values and interests, simply out of fear of retaliation,” he added.

“We oppose this disaster,” Sanchez said, arguing that his stance is shared by “many other governments” and “millions of citizens across Europe, North America and the Middle East who do not want more war or uncertainty tomorrow”.

Trump called Spain a “terrible” ally on Tuesday as he met German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the White House.

Advertisement

He also pointed to Sanchez’s refusal to join NATO allies in a pledge to boost defence spending to five percent of GDP as demanded by Trump, who has frequently argued that the United States shoulders too much of the alliance’s burden.

US forces use the Rota naval base and Moron air base in Spain. During the 2003 invasion of Iraq, Spain, then led by conservative prime minister Jose Maria Aznar, staunchly backed the United States.

European Commission wades in

The European Commission said today that it was “ready” to defend EU interests after President Donald Trump threatened to sever trade with Spain for refusing to allow US use of its bases to attack Iran.

“We stand in full solidarity with all member states and all its citizens and, through our common trade policy, stand ready to act if necessary to safeguard EU interests,” said commission spokesman Olof Gill in a statement issued in response to Trump’s threats.

Sanchez’s leftist government has angered Washington with a series of other policies, including his staunch opposition to Israel’s war in Gaza and the military operation to abduct and arrest President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela.

Sanchez said this morning that the Spanish government’s position was “consistent” with its position opposing the wars in Gaza and Ukraine.

The moves by Sanchez come as he hits the campaign trail in important regional elections.

With reporting by AFP

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.
Learn More Support The Journal