The European leader defying Trump and his attacks on Iran

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is publicly opposing US President Donald Trump's policies regarding Iran, refusing to allow the US military to use Spanish military bases for operations against Iran. Trump responded by threatening to cut off all trade with Spain. This disagreement escalated when Spain's foreign minister refuted the White House's claim that Spain was cooperating with the US military. Sanchez stated that Spain would not support a war against Iran, deeming it unjustified and against Spanish values, despite denouncing the Iranian government. While the US has military bases throughout Europe and the Middle East, and other European countries are cooperating, this dispute highlights a significant diplomatic rift between Spain and the United States.

In a televised address, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez openly rejected demands from U.S. President Donald Trump to use Spanish bases for potential military action against Iran, making him a rare European leader to publicly challenge Trump. Sánchez argued that another Middle East war would be devastating and that leaders should prioritize citizens' well-being over profiting from conflict. He criticized those who use war as a distraction and emphasized that blind obedience is not leadership. Sánchez stated Spain would not be complicit in actions harmful to the world, even if it meant facing repercussions. While his stance resonated with his base, it drew criticism from political opponents who accused him of jeopardizing Spain's relationship with the U.S.

Intense Israeli strikes targeted Iran and Lebanon as the US warned of a dramatic surge in bombardment in the Middle East on Thursday, March 5, 2026. The US has been striking Iran for six consecutive days, escalating the conflict. Fighting between Israel and Hezbollah intensified, with Israeli tanks moving to the Lebanese border. Azerbaijan accused Iran of a drone attack and threatened retaliation, signaling a potential expansion of the war. Governments worldwide are scrambling to evacuate citizens stranded across the region as the conflict disrupts travel, including at Dubai International Airport. The escalating conflict raises concerns about regional stability and potential internal destabilization within Iran.

The conflict between Israel and Iran has escalated, expanding across the Middle East. Israel launched fresh attacks on Tehran, while Iran claimed responsibility for strikes targeting Kurdish groups in Iraq, accusing them of opposing the Iranian revolution. These strikes against Kurdish groups in Iraq reportedly killed a member of an exiled Iranian Kurdish group. Israel also conducted strikes on Beirut, reportedly killing a Hamas official. The conflict has drawn in other nations, with NATO air defenses intercepting an Iranian ballistic missile fired towards Turkey, although Iran later denied firing any missiles. The US is considering arming Kurdish militias to infiltrate Iran, and a British warship is deploying to Cyprus.

On the sixth day of a US-Israeli offensive against Iran, tensions are escalating across the Middle East. Iran has threatened shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, where maritime activity is at a standstill. The conflict has spread, with a US submarine sinking an Iranian warship off the coast of Sri Lanka. Iranian state media reports over 1,000 deaths and 6,000 wounded within Iran, where the US and Israel are accused of striking civilian infrastructure. Mojtaba Khamenei is a leading candidate to become Iran's next Supreme Leader. Kurdish-Iranian armed groups have launched a ground offensive in northwest Iran, and Iraqi Kurds may join the conflict. Spain has refused US access to its bases for the war, prompting a threat of trade sanctions from the US President.

The ongoing Iran war has caused widespread damage and casualties across the Middle East and beyond. Missile strikes, drone attacks, and shrapnel have impacted numerous countries, leading to embassy closures and economic disruptions. A US submarine reportedly sank an Iranian warship off the coast of Sri Lanka. Many governments are urging their citizens to evacuate Middle Eastern countries as airspaces close and travel routes become impassable. Within Iran, at least 1,045 people have died, with a major incident involving a strike on a school in Minab. US-Israeli strikes have targeted Iranian nuclear infrastructure, government buildings, and leadership compounds, resulting in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

On March 5, 2026, Iran denied Turkish claims that it fired a ballistic missile towards Turkish airspace. Turkiye's Defence Ministry stated that a missile launched from Iran, after passing through Syrian and Iraqi airspace, was intercepted by NATO air and missile defense systems over the eastern Mediterranean. According to Turkiye, the missile was heading towards Turkish airspace, but caused no casualties. Iran's Armed Forces insisted they respect Turkiye's sovereignty and did not launch any missiles. Turkiye has warned against escalating the conflict and reserves the right to respond to hostile actions, while consulting with NATO allies and issuing warnings to prevent future incidents.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez reiterated his opposition to military actions in Iran, despite trade threats from the U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to end trade with Spain after Sánchez refused to allow the U.S. to use joint military bases for attacks on Iran. Sánchez criticized the U.S. and Israeli attacks as unjustifiable and dangerous, stating that Spain would not be complicit in actions against its values. He expressed concern about the potential consequences of the conflict, calling it "playing Russian roulette" with millions of lives. The feasibility of Trump's trade threat is unclear, as the EU negotiates trade agreements for its member states.

Spain has denied claims made by the White House that it has agreed to cooperate militarily with the United States in the ongoing war with Iran. The denial follows a statement by White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt suggesting a change in Spain's position. Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares refuted the claim, stating that Spain's stance remains unchanged. The disagreement comes after President Trump threatened to cut off trade with Spain due to its opposition to the war. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez reiterated Spain's rejection of the war, citing the negative consequences of past military interventions in the Middle East and affirming its commitment to international law.

Spanish Foreign Minister José Albares criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for a perceived lack of solidarity after Donald Trump attacked Spain during a White House meeting on Tuesday. Albares expressed "surprise" at Merz's silence when Trump criticized the Spanish government's handling of the Middle East conflict and its refusal to allow the use of Spanish bases. Trump also threatened to halt "all deals" with Madrid and criticized Spain's defense spending. Albares contrasted Merz's response with the solidarity Spain has shown other European nations in the past, highlighting the expectation of mutual support within the EU's shared economic framework. The specific deals Trump referenced remain unclear.

In March 2026, the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran and Lebanon, while Iran conducted counterstrikes that disrupted Middle Eastern oil flows. The US embassy in Dubai was hit, and Israel struck Tehran and Beirut. US forces joined Israel's attacks based on President Trump's belief that Iran was preparing to strike first. Targets in Iran included the Assembly of Experts building in Qom. As of March 4th, the conflict had resulted in at least 787 deaths since the previous Saturday. The reasons provided for the attacks differed between President Trump and Secretary of State Rubio.

On March 3-4, 2026, the US and Israel escalated airstrikes against Iranian missile launchers and factories, marking the fifth day of war. Israel targeted Iran's presidential office, facilities linked to the Supreme Leader, and a Hezbollah media building in Lebanon. Iran retaliated with missile attacks against Israel and across the Gulf region, disrupting energy supplies and travel. An Iranian drone struck a parking lot outside the U.S. consulate in Dubai, causing a small fire. A U.S. service member, Sgt. Declan Coady, was killed in a strike in Kuwait.

Following a deadly strike on the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls' school in Minab, Iran, on the first day of US and Israeli attacks on Iran, the US is "investigating" the incident, according to US defense secretary Pete Hegseth. The attack, which occurred on Saturday, reportedly killed at least 165 students and injured 96 others. Iranian officials and the UN have condemned the attack, with the UN human rights office calling for an investigation. The UN committee on the rights of the child expressed alarm over strikes on civilian infrastructure, emphasizing the need to protect children from war. The strike occurred amidst escalating conflict in the Middle East following attacks by the US and Israel on Iran, resulting in retaliatory attacks from Iran.

In March 2026, US President Donald Trump did not rule out deploying ground troops to Iran amid ongoing US-Israeli strikes. Military experts, however, believe a full-scale invasion is unlikely. Instead, they anticipate targeted special operations, such as sabotage or intelligence gathering missions, followed by rapid extraction. Analysts cite Iran's complex geopolitical environment, rugged terrain, and dense population as factors making a traditional invasion impractical. While Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth confirmed no US troops are currently in Iran, he also left the option for deployment open, suggesting a limited, targeted approach rather than a large-scale occupation.

A ballistic missile launched from Iran towards Turkish airspace via Iraq and Syria was intercepted and destroyed by NATO air defense systems on Wednesday. Turkish officials reported the incident, stating the missile was engaged and neutralized over the eastern Mediterranean. While the intended target remains unspecified by the defense ministry, one official claimed it was aimed at a base in Greek Cyprus but strayed off course. Fragments of the interceptor missile fell in the Dortyol district of southern Turkey, near the Syrian border. No casualties were reported as a result of the incident.

On March 4, 2026, a ballistic missile fired from Iran was destroyed by NATO air defenses over the Mediterranean Sea as it approached Turkish airspace after traversing Iraq and Syria. The Turkish Ministry of National Defence reported the incident, stating that the missile was intercepted before entering Turkish territory, causing no casualties. Turkey has protested to Iran, warning against escalating the conflict, and NATO condemned Iran's actions, reaffirming its support for Turkey. The missile's intended target remains unknown. The United States Defence Secretary stated that the event is not expected to trigger NATO's Article 5.

In March 2026, US President Donald Trump stated that the US-Israeli strikes had effectively destroyed Iran's navy, air force, and air detection capabilities. These comments were made during a White House press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, amidst ongoing US-Israeli strikes on Iran following Tehran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz and retaliatory attacks. Trump claimed he ordered the attack because he "had a feeling" Iran would strike first, contradicting Secretary of State Marco Rubio's explanation that the US acted to preempt an Iranian attack on US facilities after an Israeli strike. Chancellor Merz expressed support for the US-Israeli action but hoped for a swift resolution due to the negative impact on the global economy. The Al Jazeera correspondent noted that the US President has not offered any evidence of a threat to the US.

In March 2026, escalating conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel has spread across multiple fronts. The US Embassy in Saudi Arabia was hit by Iranian drones amidst increasing attacks on Iran by the US and Israel. Strikes occurred across Tehran, while Israel conducted a targeted attack on Hezbollah members in Beirut and southern Lebanon. During an Iranian air assault, three US fighter jets were mistakenly downed by Kuwaiti fire. Protests in support of Iran took place in Baghdad. The conflict has resulted in casualties and widespread damage in the region.

In March 2026, the United States relocated 15 aircraft from military bases in southern Spain after Spain refused to allow the US to use its bases for missions related to strikes on Iran. This followed US President Trump's threat to cut off all trade with Spain due to their stance. The Spanish government responded by stating that the US must comply with international law and EU-US trade agreements, asserting they have resources to manage a potential trade embargo. Spain's Prime Minister condemned the US-Israel attacks on Iran as a breach of international law, advocating for dialogue instead of military intervention. Spain's Foreign Minister affirmed that Spanish bases would not be used for attacks on Iran, adhering to agreements with the US and the UN Charter.

Following U.S. strikes in Iran, Secretary of State Rubio initially suggested the action was prompted by knowledge of an impending Israeli strike and the anticipation of Iranian retaliation against U.S. forces. The U.S. government decided to attack Iran based on these assumptions. However, Rubio later walked back this suggestion. The initial statement implied that Israel's planned actions influenced the U.S. decision to strike Iran. The reason for Rubio's retraction was not specified in the provided information.

Oman's Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi stated that diplomatic options remain to de-escalate the ongoing conflict between Iran, the US, and Israel. Al-Busaidi urged an immediate ceasefire and a return to regional diplomacy, suggesting "off-ramps" are available. Oman had previously mediated talks between the US and Iran before the recent US-Israeli attacks on Iran, which followed stalled nuclear program negotiations. Conflicting reasons for the US attacks have been given by President Trump and Secretary of State Rubio. Despite progress in prior negotiations, Iran has retaliated with strikes against Israel and US forces, drawing Oman into the conflict despite not hosting US forces. Oman is now calling for a return to diplomacy.

In March 2026, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Rubio stated that the strikes were necessary because Iran was not negotiating in good faith with the US. He claimed that President Trump authorized the strikes due to Iran "playing" the US during negotiations. The strikes were intended to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, with Rubio asserting that a world without a nuclear-armed Iran would be safer. The location of the strikes within Iran was not specified in the report.

During a news conference, President Trump addressed the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran, following the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. While confident in the military advantage, Trump expressed concern that regime change could result in a leader "as bad as the previous person." He stated the US would like to see a leader who would "bring it back for the people." Trump also cautioned Iranians against protesting, citing the danger posed by the state security apparatus. He claimed Iran was planning to attack first, potentially prompting Israel's involvement. Furthermore, Trump threatened to cut off trade with Spain due to their refusal to allow US strikes on Iran from jointly operated bases.

The US and Israel launched a military strike on Iran, killing hundreds of people, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on February 27. In response, Iran attacked several countries, including Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Senior diplomats from China and India met in New Delhi in February for strategic dialogue, aiming to view each other as partners rather than competitors. However, a persistent gap in their relationship was revealed in the readouts of the meeting. Canada's former deputy prime minister emphasized the need for countries to maintain constructive engagement with China while reducing economic dependency on the country. The global relations landscape is marked by tensions and shifting dynamics between major powers.

In a news report published on March 2, 2026, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated that the United States is "finishing" a war with Iran, despite not initiating it. Hegseth attributed the conflict to previous attacks by Iran on Americans in the region. The statement implies a continued or escalated military approach under President Donald Trump's administration. The comments suggest the US views its actions as a response to Iranian aggression, rather than an act of instigation. The remarks were reported by NewsFeed.

Iran and allied militias, including Hezbollah, launched attacks on Israel and US targets in the Gulf in response to Ayatollah Khamenei's death. The retaliation was carried out across multiple fronts, with Israel striking back at targets in Lebanon. President Trump stated that the US assault on Iran would last four or five weeks. The conflict has widened across the region, with both sides engaging in military operations. The attacks are believed to be a response to Khamenei's death, which marked a significant shift in leadership for Iran. The situation remains fluid and volatile, with ongoing tensions between Iran and its adversaries.

Following joint US-Israeli strikes in Iran, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated the US aims to destroy Iran's navy, ballistic missile production, and nuclear weapon capabilities. Hegseth indicated the US does not plan to pursue a democratic transition in Iran and avoided providing a timeline for the operation, while emphasizing the US would not get "bogged down." President Trump stated he wouldn't rule out sending ground troops "if they were necessary." General Dan Caine, Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the US has established air superiority over Iran, but expects additional losses and that the operation will not be quick. These remarks are the first from US officials since the strikes began, which killed Iran's Supreme Leader.

In March 2026, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that a planned Israeli attack on Iran influenced the timing of the US military's assault on Tehran. Rubio explained that the US was aware of Israel's impending action and anticipated Iranian retaliation against US interests. To preemptively mitigate potential casualties, the US launched its own strikes. This revelation came as the US military confirmed six service members had died in the conflict following Iranian retaliation, which included drone and missile attacks on US bases. Rubio defended the US-Israeli joint action, arguing it was necessary to thwart an imminent threat, as Iran would have retaliated against the US following the Israeli strike.

Spain has denied the United States permission to use jointly operated military bases in Rota and Morón for attacks against Iran. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's government has condemned the US and Israel's "unilateral military action," citing concerns about international law and a more unstable global order. Spanish officials emphasized that the bases would only be used in accordance with existing agreements and the UN charter. While the government supports democracy for the Iranian people, it will not allow the bases to be used in ongoing military action. Flight tracking data indicates US aircraft have departed from the Spanish bases since the attacks began, with some landing in Germany. Sánchez has called for a political solution to the conflict.

In March 2026, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned what he described as a US-Israel war on Iran. Sanchez stated that the conflict constituted a breach of international law. The condemnation positions him as one of the few Western leaders to publicly denounce the attacks. The news originated from Spain, highlighting the country's stance on the international conflict. The specific reasons behind the US-Israel military action against Iran were not detailed in the provided information.

Airspace closures across the Middle East, triggered by attacks between America/Israel and Iran, caused widespread flight disruptions, stranding or diverting hundreds of thousands of travelers. Several countries, including Israel, Qatar, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, and Bahrain, closed their airspace, leading to the suspension of operations at key international airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha. Major airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad cancelled thousands of flights, impacting an estimated 90,000 passengers daily passing through these hubs. Over 3,400 flights were cancelled across seven major Middle Eastern airports on Sunday. Some airports and landmarks in the region sustained damage, resulting in injuries and at least one reported death. The closure of Iranian airspace was extended until Tuesday morning.

On Saturday, the US and Israel launched attacks across Iran, reportedly resulting in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the destruction of his compound in Tehran. US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented on the strikes. In response, Iran launched missiles and drones towards Israel and four Gulf Arab countries – Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE – which host US military bases. Iranian state media confirmed Khamenei's death following the US-Israel attack. The reasons behind the initial US-Israel strikes were not explicitly stated in the provided article.

Following joint US-Israeli strikes against Iranian leaders, Iran launched retaliatory missile strikes targeting US interests and neighboring countries in the Gulf region. Targets included US bases in Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, as well as the US Navy's Fifth Fleet. Gulf states, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates, condemned the Iranian attacks on their territories. Qatar affirmed its right to defend itself, while Saudi Arabia expressed solidarity with affected nations. The UAE reported intercepting missiles, but also confirmed a civilian death from falling debris. Oman was notably excluded from the Iranian strikes, reportedly due to its foreign minister's mediation efforts.

In February 2026, the US and Israel launched military strikes on Iran, escalating tensions despite recent US-Iran nuclear talks in Geneva. Israel targeted Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure, prompting Iran to respond with missile and air strikes across the region, including Israel and several Gulf states. President Trump declared a "major combat operation" aimed at eliminating threats from Iran. This escalation follows a period of heightened conflict that began in June 2025 with Israeli air strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, which led to retaliatory attacks by Iran and subsequent US strikes. A US-brokered ceasefire had previously ended 12 days of fighting in June 2025.

Iran claims to have struck a US naval base in Bahrain as part of a broader retaliatory operation, "Truthful Promise 4," following what it says was a US and Israeli attack on Iranian leadership-linked areas. The alleged strike on the Bahrain base, near the US Navy's Fifth Fleet headquarters, is unconfirmed by the US. Other countries in the region, including the UAE, Qatar, Jordan, and Kuwait, reported intercepting missiles, some reportedly targeting the al-Udeid air base in Qatar, the largest US base in the region. Israel also reported missile attacks from Iran, with its air force attempting interceptions. The UAE reported intercepting missiles, with debris causing damage and casualties in Abu Dhabi.

Following reported strikes in Iran by the US and Israel, Australia's National Security Committee is convening. Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated Australia was not informed in advance of the strikes and has updated travel advice for Israel, Lebanon, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. A crisis center has been activated to provide consular support to Australians in the region, and a registration portal has opened for Australians in Iran and Israel. Wong emphasized Iran's destabilizing role in the region and stated that Australia did not participate in the strikes. The Australian government advises Australians in the affected region to follow travel advice and seek safety, acknowledging potential difficulties with repatriation due to airspace closures.