Spain condemned the US and Israel's joint strikes on Iran at the end of February as an unjustified and dangerous military intervention outside international law, according to Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. Spain denied American forces permission to use jointly operated bases or airspace for actions related to the war in Iran. Spain became the first Western country to reopen its embassy in Tehran after a fragile US-Iran ceasefire took hold, with Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares directing Ambassador Antonio Sánchez-Benedito to return and recommence operations immediately.
Spain's broader foreign policy stance includes vocal criticism of Israel, with the country condemning Israel's attacks on Lebanon and accusing Israel of trying to inflict the same level of damage and destruction as in Gaza. Spain called for the EU to suspend trade with Israel and permanently withdrew its ambassador to Tel Aviv in March after years of disagreements and tensions. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced he would oust Spain from a US-led Gaza military strategy centre in Kiryat Gat for its hypocrisy and hostility and for repeatedly standing against Israel.
Europe's challenge is not only to rearm itself to address its security and defence problems, but to also rearm itself morally, so that it can contribute to stable and peaceful development throughout the world.
Political rhetoric has intensified, with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez saying Europe's challenge is to rearm itself morally to contribute to stable and peaceful development worldwide. Sanchez added that the government of Spain will not applaud those who set the world on fire just because they show up with a bucket. According to reports, Trump called Spain terrible and threatened to cut off all trade over its refusal to use bases in the fight with Iran. Iran dubbed Spain a non-hostile country, and Tehran suggested it may let its ships pass through a vital shipping route.
The government of Spain will not applaud those who set the world on fire just because they show up with a bucket.
Spain has defamed our heroes... the soldiers of the most moral army in the world. I do not intend to allow any country to wage a diplomatic war against us without paying an immediate price.
There must be no impunity for these criminal acts.