Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has strongly responded to US President Donald Trump's threat to cut trade ties with Spain, emphasising his government's position against war and warning about the dangers of undermining international law.
In a televised address lasting around 10 minutes, Sanchez spoke about the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as the legacy of the Iraq War, saying Spain's position could be summed up as "no to war", reported BBC.
Trump threatens trade embargo
Tensions escalated after Trump warned that the United States could sever trade relations with Spain. The threat came after Spain refused to allow the US to use jointly operated military bases at Moron and Rota to launch strikes against Iran.
Also Read | Nepal votes in first election after Gen Z protests: Key contenders and what’s at stake
Speaking during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Tuesday, Trump criticised Spain's stance.
"Spain has been terrible," Trump said.
"We're going to cut off all trade with Spain. We don't want anything to do with Spain," he added.
Merz later said he made it clear to Trump that separate trade arrangements excluding Spain would not be possible within Europe.
European leaders express support
Following the threat, European leaders voiced support for Spain. France’s presidency said President Emmanuel Macron had spoken with Sánchez and expressed his "solidarity". European Council President António Costa also confirmed he had spoken to the Spanish leader "to express the EU's full solidarity".
Trump also accused Spain of being a "terrible partner" in NATO, criticising Madrid for not increasing defence spending to meet the alliance's proposed target of 5 per cent of GDP.
Sanchez defends position on international law
In his address from the prime minister's official residence in Madrid, Sanchez stressed that the debate was about legality and peace.
"The question is not if we are on the side of the ayatollahs (Iran's clerical rulers), nobody is. The question is whether we are in favour of peace and international legality," he said.
"You cannot answer one illegality with another, because that is how the great catastrophes of humanity begin."
Sanchez also reflected on the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, saying it had failed to achieve its goals and worsened conditions for many people. He warned that attacks on Iran could produce similar economic consequences for millions.
Spain denies claims of military cooperation
The White House later said Spain had "agreed to co-operate" with the US military after hearing Trump’s warning "loud and clear". However, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares rejected the claim.
Speaking to local media, Albares said his government's position "has not changed one iota".
Spain has not committed to military involvement in the conflict, unlike some other NATO allies including the United Kingdom, France and Greece.
