Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has reiterated his opposition to the attack on Iran by the United States and Israel, warning that the conflict risks becoming “Russian roulette” with the lives of millions. He delivered the remarks in a televised address responding to statements by US President Donald Trump.
🔴 EN DIRECTO
— La Moncloa (@desdelamoncloa) March 4, 2026
Declaración institucional del presidente del Gobierno, @sanchezcastejon. https://t.co/0Dr2XpHsdf
The address followed threats by Trump to suspend trade with Madrid over Spain’s stance on the conflict.
Televised address and response to Trump
Pedro Sánchez said that major humanitarian disasters often begin with decisions taken without full consideration of the consequences. “This is how humanity’s great catastrophes begin. You cannot play Russian roulette with the fate of millions,” he stated.
He was responding to comments by Donald Trump, who threatened to cut trade relations with Spain in reaction to Madrid’s position on the war.
Ante la crisis en Oriente Medio, España estará a la altura.
— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) March 4, 2026
Protegeremos a nuestros ciudadanos, prepararemos medidas para amortiguar el impacto económico y trabajaremos con Europa por una respuesta coordinada que priorice la paz y la diplomacia. pic.twitter.com/wPReSjweo2
Tensions between the two NATO allies increased after Sánchez described the US and Israeli bombardment of Iran as reckless and unlawful. He subsequently barred US aircraft from using naval and air bases in southern Spain for operations related to the attack on Tehran.
Position of the Spanish government
Sánchez stated that global problems cannot be resolved through conflict and bombing. “The position of the Spanish government can be summarised in three words: No to war,” he said, adding that this stance is consistent and not rhetorical.
España está con la Constitución, con la UE, con la ONU y con el derecho internacional.
— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) March 4, 2026
Estamos con la paz, la convivencia y la prosperidad que benefician a todos.
El futuro no está escrito. La espiral de violencia es evitable. pic.twitter.com/cZEwlJpplI
“We will not be complicit in something that is bad for the world or contrary to our values and interests simply to avoid retaliation from someone,” he added, in an apparent reference to Trump’s trade threats.
The prime minister pointed to the negative consequences of the Iraq war, including the rise in jihadist terrorism and increases in energy prices, arguing that the repercussions of the attack on Iran remain unclear and that it would not lead to a fairer international order.
