Madrid continues to be Europe’s most vocal critic of the U.S. intervention in Iran.
By Catholics for Catholics
Spain continues to be one of the biggest European critics of U.S. and Israeli military attacks against Iran, despite Washington’s warnings of the possible costs for NATO allies that do not meet its expectations.
Madrid’s opposition to the Iran war has worsened its relations with Washington. Leaders within President Donald Trump’s MAGA movement have called on the U.S. leader to respond to Spain’s position, according to a story by Newsmax.
Spain’s Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares labeled the war as an “attack on civilization,” repeating statements by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez regarding Trump’s decision to launch military action against the Islamic Republic.
“We’re facing the greatest assault on the civilization built upon the humanist ideals of reason, peace, understanding and universal law over the abuse of power, brute force and arbitrariness,” Albares said.
“The prophets of war and violence seek to return to the values and practices of history’s darkest moments,” he added, stating that Israel had violated international law and the newly brokered two-week ceasefire after a wave of airstrikes across Lebanon killed more than 250 people on Wednesday, according to local authorities.
Sanchez has been one of the most vocal critics against the U.S. military intervention, taking the lead among European governments who are opposed to the war. He closed Spanish airspace to any aircraft involved in a skirmish he has described as reckless and illegal.
The U.S.-Spanish relations started to sour last year when Madrid snubbed Trump’s proposal that NATO allies increase defense spending to 5% of gross domestic product, part of a broader effort by his administration to increase burden-sharing within the alliance. Spain’s position led Trump to consider trade-related measures.
Taking matters even further, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said in March the U.S. should abandon two jointly operated air bases in southern Spain and relocate operations to another country.
