Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has responded forcefully to Donald Trump's threat to end all trade with Spain, comparing the escalating Middle East conflict to "Russian roulette with the destiny of millions". In a speech on Wednesday, Sánchez reiterated his government's stance with three words: "No to war."
Sánchez said Spain would not be complicit in actions that harm the world, merely out of fear of reprisals. This came after Trump threatened to cut trade because Spain denied the US permission to use jointly operated bases in southern Spain for attacks on Iran. Trump called Spain "terrible" and said he had instructed the Treasury secretary to sever dealings.
The prime minister called on the US, Israel, and Iran to cease hostilities, warning that "you can't play Russian roulette with the destiny of millions". He invoked the 2003 Iraq war, supported by his predecessor, as a cautionary tale, noting it unleashed insecurity rather than delivering security.
Sánchez emphasised that governments must protect citizens and not use war as a smokescreen for failure or profit. Meanwhile, Spain's foreign minister, José Manuel Albares, categorically denied any shift in position after the White House press secretary claimed Madrid had agreed to cooperate. "Our 'no to war' stance remains clear and unequivocal," Albares said.
Trump also criticised Spain for rejecting NATO's call to raise defence spending to 5% of GDP, but Sánchez's office insisted the position on military bases had not changed.
