Spanish PM Responds to US Trade Threat
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has issued a firm rebuttal to US President Donald Trump's threat to sever trade relations with Spain, emphasizing his opposition to war and condemning what he described as the "breakdown of international law."
In a 10-minute televised address, Sánchez reflected on the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as the Iraq War from over two decades ago. He succinctly summarized the government's position with the phrase:
"the government's position can be summed up in four words: No to war".
Trump's Threat Over Military Base Access
President Trump threatened to impose a comprehensive trade embargo on Spain following Madrid's refusal to permit the US to utilize the jointly operated bases at Morón and Rota for potential strikes on Iran.
"Spain has been terrible," Trump stated during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Tuesday.
"We're going to cut off all trade with Spain. We don't want anything to do with Spain," he added.
Chancellor Merz later clarified that he had informed Trump unequivocally that Germany could not finalize a separate agreement with the US or Europe without including Spain.
Trump has also criticized Spain as a "terrible partner" within NATO, citing its failure to increase defense spending to meet the target of 5% of GDP.
Sánchez Addresses Economic and Legal Concerns
During his address from the prime minister's residence at La Moncloa, Sánchez noted that the government is evaluating economic measures to mitigate the conflict's impact on Spanish citizens.
He emphasized that one "illegality" should not be countered with another, referring to the "disaster" of the Middle East war. This statement came two days after he appealed for both parties to de-escalate and uphold international law.
The Socialist prime minister compared the government's stance on the current conflicts to its positions on Ukraine and Gaza, reiterating his criticism of Israel's military response to the 2023 Hamas attacks.
Historical Context and Warnings
Reflecting on the 2003 Iraq invasion, Sánchez stated that the intervention failed to achieve its objectives and worsened conditions for ordinary people. He warned that attacks on Iran could similarly have severe economic consequences for millions.
"It's unacceptable that some presidents use the fog of war to cover up their failures," Sánchez declared.
He further clarified:
"The question is not if we are on the side of the ayatollahs - nobody is. The question is whether we are in favour of peace and international legality."
