Arabic version: سانشيز يرفض تهديد ترامب التجاري ويدعو إلى السلام

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has issued a robust response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to halt trade with Spain. In a recent televised address, Sánchez emphasized his government’s opposition to war and condemned what he termed the “breakdown of international law.” According to BBC News, Sánchez’s remarks come in light of Trump’s assertion that Spain would face a full trade embargo due to Madrid’s refusal to permit U.S. military operations from its bases in Morón and Rotafor against Iran.

During the address, Sánchez reflected on the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as the Iraq War, stating, “the government’s position can be summed up in four words: No to war.” Trump criticized Spain as a “terrible partner” in NATO for not meeting the defense spending target of 5% of GDP, further escalating tensions between the two nations.

Sánchez highlighted the need for economic measures to mitigate the impact of the conflict on Spanish citizens. He reiterated that one “illegality” could not justify another, referencing the dire consequences of the war in the Middle East. The Prime Minister’s stance aligns with Spain’s previous positions on international conflicts, including its criticism of Israel’s military actions in response to Hamas.

Reflecting on the Iraq invasion of 2003, Sánchez warned that potential military actions against Iran could similarly harm millions economically. He stated, “It’s unacceptable that some presidents use the fog of war to cover up their failures,” stressing the importance of prioritizing peace and adherence to international law over political posturing.