Spain Defies Trump, Rejects Iran Strikes

0:00On March 6, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez gave a strong televised speech on Wednesday morning, rejecting U.S. President Donald Trump's demand. To use two military bases in southern Spain for strikes against Iran, Trump had threatened to cut off trade with Spain over the refusal. In a 10-minute address, Sanchez warned that another Middle East war would cause countless lives, destabilize the globe, and wreck economies. The stress that leaders must protect their people, not exploit conflicts for gain. He called out blind obedience to powerful nations as poor leadership, and vowed Spain would not join actions against his values, no matter the. Backlash. This stands echoes his past criticisms of wars like Iraq and Gaza. At home, the speech fired up Sanchez's supporters, who largely viewed Trump unfavorably, but drew fire from conservatives and far-right rivals. They accused him of risking U.S. ties and playing politics amid his own scandals. Still, many Spaniards recall bitterness over past U.S.-led wars.

1:03Across Europe, support for Sanchez remains limited. Francis Emanuel Macron offered solidarity against trade threats, but positioned forces defensively in the region, and blamed Iran partly for the crisis. Germany's chancellor took a pragmatic line, avoiding confrontation with Trump to focus on Ukraine and tariffs. Italy stayed ambiguous, acknowledging the strikes broke international law, but awaiting any base requests. Spain doubled down as the White House claimed Madrid had reversed course on cooperation. Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares, flatly denied it, reaffirming the no-too-war position amid the 10th standoff.