Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated on Wednesday that Madrid's position towards the American-Israeli attack on Iran remains unchanged and fits into the Spanish abroad policy's current line – the same as in the case of Russian aggression against Ukraine or the Gaza War. “Not for war,” stressed the head of government in a speech broadcast by television.
As he pointed out, Spain's opposition concerns both the usage of force itself and the violation of global law and the belief that armed conflicts can be an effective tool for resolving disputes. He besides warned against “repeating the mistakes of the past” which, in his opinion, led to the destabilisation of full regions of the world.
As regards Tuesday's announcements by U.S. president Donald Trump of a possible break in trade relations with Spain, Sánchez assured that Madrid would not change its position under pressure. As he stated, his country "will not be complicit in anything harmful to the planet for fear of repression by any states."
The Prime Minister recalled the United States' intervention in Iraq in 2003, indicating that its consequences were the growth of terrorism and long-term migration and economical crises. He called on the US, Israel and Iran to halt immediately ‘before it is besides late’. At the same time, he expressed his solidarity with the countries which were attacked by Iran in consequence to erstwhile attacks.
– This is how the large disasters of humanity begin. It is impossible to play with millions of people," Sánchez stressed, recalling that on Saturday he rejected the "one-sided military action" of the US and Israel against Iran.
The European Commission besides referred to tensions on the Washington–Madrid line. In his statement, Mr Olof Gill said that the European Union is full solidarityable with all associate States and their citizens. He assured that Brussels was ready to defend the EU's interests under the common trade policy and to respond if necessary. He stressed the importance of unchangeable and predictable transatlantic relations, beneficial to both parties.
Gill recalled that the EU and the US had an crucial trade agreement last year, and the Commission expects the American administration to full respect its provisions.
On Tuesday, president Trump stated that he was dissatisfied with Spain's attitude and announced the cessation of trade with this country. He accused Madrid of not expanding defence spending to 5% of GDP, as another NATO countries did, and besides refused to make military bases in the south of the country available to US forces for operations in the mediate East.
The Spanish Government replied that a possible revision of bilateral trade relations should take place in accordance with the existing agreements between the United States and the European Union.
Donald Trump had previously criticised Spain on respective occasions for the level of defence spending, and in the past even suggested the anticipation of its exclusion from NATO. He besides threatened to introduce fresh duties.
As of Saturday, the U.S. and Israel have been targeting targets in Iran, with Tehran responding to fire, including US bases in the region.
