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.

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.

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.