Events in the Middle East have once again taken center stage in Spanish politics. Following recent military actions by the US and Israel against Iran, a debate has erupted in Spain over how the authorities should respond to international crises. For Spaniards, this issue is significant not only due to foreign policy concerns, but also because such events are often used domestically in political battles.
According to Ale Espanol, Masih Alinejad, a prominent Iranian journalist and human rights activist, sharply criticized the Spanish Prime Minister. In her view, Pedro Sánchez is using the suffering of the Iranian people as a tool to pressure his political opponents. She stressed that the tragedy in Iran should not become a pretext for political games in Spain, but requires an honest and principled stance.
Political accusations
Meanwhile, opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo accused Sánchez of turning the slogan ‘no to war’ into a means for scoring political points. According to Feijóo, the government has not only failed to condemn the actions of the Iranian authorities, but has practically ignored the repression against protesters in Iran. This has sparked widespread discussion in Spanish society, with many demanding a firmer stance from the authorities.
Masih Alinejad, who is living in exile in New York, reminded that the silence of the Spanish government regarding mass repression in Iran is perceived as indifference. She believes that the fight for human rights should not depend on the political interests of any side. According to a RUSSPAIN.com source, such statements increase pressure on the government, forcing it to respond to international challenges.
Domestic reaction
In Spain, the response to Alinejad’s remarks has been mixed. Some support her stance, arguing that Spain should take a more active role in opposing dictatorships and human rights violations. Others believe that interfering in the internal affairs of other countries could harm national interests. In any case, the topic of Iran has sparked new debates about Spain’s role on the global stage.
Recalling recent events, it is worth noting that the European Union had previously faced the need to defend Spain’s interests amid international threats. For example, when the US announced possible trade measures, Brussels expressed its readiness to support Madrid and the entire EU, as was reflected in the coverage of the EU’s response to Trump’s statements — Brussels’ stance on defending Spain’s interests.
Context and consequences
According to Ale Espanol, the situation around Iran and the response of the Spanish authorities may impact Spain’s relations with other countries as well as the domestic political climate. The question of whether Spain should take a tougher stance on international issues remains open. For many citizens, it is important that foreign policy does not become an instrument for internal disputes.
In recent years, Spain has repeatedly faced a dilemma: whether to take an active stance in international conflicts or maintain neutrality. For example, in 2024 the response to events in Ukraine was debated, and in 2025 the crisis in Venezuela was discussed. Each time, the government’s decisions sparked controversy and influenced public opinion. Now, the situation with Iran once again raises for Spain the question of balancing principles and pragmatism.
