The sharp escalation in relations between Spain and the United States has become a key event for all of Europe. Madrid refused to support Washington’s military operation against Iran, sparking widespread discussion among politicians and experts. For Spaniards, this decision signifies not only a distancing from American policy, but also a strengthening of the country’s position within the European Union.
According to Ale Espanol, Pedro Sánchez’s government strongly denied White House claims of an alleged military cooperation agreement with the US. Spanish authorities called such information “fake news” and emphasized that Madrid’s position remains unchanged: Spain does not support military action against Iran and has no intention of participating either directly or indirectly.
Pressure from Washington
In response to statements by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt that Spain had agreed to cooperate with US forces, Madrid stated that no such agreements exist. The only official contact between the countries in the past 24 hours was a meeting between Defense Minister Margarita Robles and the US Ambassador to Spain, Benjamín León. Following the talks, the Spanish side reiterated that it had not changed its position and had not consented to participate in military operations.
Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares stated on national radio that Spain opposes unilateral US military actions. According to him, Madrid has no intention of repeating past mistakes, when supporting the Iraq war led to mass protests and political losses for the government.
European support
Spain’s decision not to join the military campaign against Iran has drawn approval from the European Union. According to RUSSPAIN.COM, Brussels has already expressed readiness to safeguard Madrid’s interests in the event of possible US economic sanctions. Spanish authorities are actively negotiating with leaders in France and other European countries to secure support should there be further pressure from Washington.
The government notes that US threats to impose trade restrictions or raise tariffs on Spanish goods are perceived as blackmail attempts. Madrid is convinced that such measures would not only harm Spain, but also other EU countries, especially if they target products like olive oil or gas. Officials emphasize that most American gas enters Europe through Spanish terminals, rather than remaining in the country.
Political consequences
Inside Spain, Sánchez’s decision has sparked a lively debate. The Socialists believe that refusing to support the US strengthens the government’s position among the majority of voters, including some opposition supporters. Meanwhile, members of the Partido Popular have faced criticism for their historical support of the war in Iraq, when advisers to current leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo played a key role in shaping the country’s foreign policy.
As Ale Espanol reports, Sánchez’s inner circle is convinced that the current situation benefits the government: it allows them to shift the political agenda and boost support among left-wing and centrist voters. They also recall past experience, when mass protests against the war in Iraq led to the ruling party’s defeat in the elections.
Risks and prospects
Despite backing from the EU, Madrid does not rule out that confrontation with the US could result in new economic challenges. However, officials believe that Washington’s threats are unrealistic and unlikely to seriously harm the Spanish economy. The government notes that similar situations have occurred before, when the US tried to pressure Spain over its refusal to increase military spending.
In recent days, Spanish officials have held a series of meetings with the leadership of the European Commission, including Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa, to coordinate a common strategy. According to Madrid, Spain’s critical stance toward US military actions could set an example for other EU countries, as has already happened in the case of Gaza. It is worth noting that in the article about Brussels’ reaction to US threats possible scenarios for the development of events and the EU’s role in defending Spain’s interests were discussed in detail.
Recalling the experience of the Iraq war, the authorities emphasize that unilateral US military actions led to regional destabilization and a surge in extremism. Madrid now fears that a conflict with Iran could drag on and result in unpredictable consequences for the entire Middle East. At the same time, experts express doubt that Iran possesses genuine capabilities to develop and deploy nuclear weapons.
In recent years, Europe has repeatedly faced pressure from the US on foreign policy and defense issues. For example, in 2024, possible sanctions were discussed against countries that refused to increase military spending to 5% of GDP. Then, too, the European Union acted as a united front, defending the interests of its members. Such situations show that solidarity within the EU is becoming a key factor in countering external pressure and maintaining the independence of national decisions.
