Spain’s Sánchez Hits Back at Trump Trade Threat, Says ‘No to War’

Published: March 5, 2026
The English Chronicle Desk
The English Chronicle Online

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has rebuffed a direct threat from United States President **Donald Trump to sever trade ties with Spain over Madrid’s refusal to support military operations linked to the widening conflict in Iran, restating his government’s commitment to peace and the rule of international law. Sánchez delivered a televised address on Wednesday in which he summed up Spain’s position succinctly as “no to war,” underscoring his government’s opposition to involvement in further military action beyond diplomatic channels.

The dispute escalated after Trump criticised Spain for declining to allow US forces to use jointly operated military bases at Rota and Morón for strikes against Iran, and subsequently threatened to cut all trade relations with the European nation. Trump also lambasted Spain for not meeting what he has called higher defence spending targets within NATO, and made sharp remarks about Spain’s role as an ally, remarks that drew strong rebukes from Madrid.

In his address from Madrid, Sánchez argued that Spain’s stance does not indicate support for the Iranian regime but reflects a principled refusal to engage in actions he views as contrary to international legality and harmful to global stability. He referenced past conflicts, including the 2003 Iraq War, warning that repeating historical mistakes through unilateral military action would only deepen insecurity and suffering. “One cannot answer one illegality with another, because that is how humanity’s great disasters begin,” Sánchez said, emphasising that the Spanish government would not be driven by fear of reprisals to compromise its values.

The prime minister also outlined that his administration is considering measures to mitigate potential economic fallout if trade relations were to be disrupted, highlighting that Spain has the resources to protect workers, households and businesses in the face of external economic pressure. He said solid public and political support remains for a foreign policy grounded in diplomacy and peace.

Sánchez’s comments reflect broader tensions between several European governments and the Trump administration over the military campaign in Iran. European Commission officials and leaders from the European Union have expressed solidarity with Spain, warning that any punitive trade measures against an EU member could have ramifications for the entire bloc and complicate transatlantic economic relations.

The diplomatic spat has highlighted divisions within NATO and among traditional US allies on how to respond to the Middle East conflict, with Spain emerging as one of the most outspoken critics of the military approach. Sánchez’s insistence on peaceful resolution and legal norms has won praise from some European leaders and progressive constituencies, even as concerns grow about the potential economic consequences should trade sanctions be pursued.

The incident has become a flashpoint in wider debates over the balance between security commitments and national sovereignty within international alliances, particularly as governments navigate the challenges of conflict, alliance cohesion and public sentiment in a period of intensified global tension.

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