Spain Defies US Pressure, Opposes Military Action Against Iran

Spain has firmly opposed the military actions by the United States and Israel against Iran, despite threats from President Donald Trump to sever trade relations with Madrid. This stance has placed Spain in a contentious position with Washington, particularly after refusing to allow the US military to use Spanish bases for operations related to strikes on Iran.

President Trump, during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, criticized Spain's decision, stating that the US would cut all trade ties with the country. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, one of the few European leaders to openly condemn the US-Israel military actions as "unjustifiable" and "dangerous," reiterated Spain's opposition to the war in a televised address, emphasizing the need for peaceful solutions over conflict.

Public opinion in Spain appears to support Sanchez's stance, with polls indicating that a majority of Spaniards oppose Trump's foreign policy. A Eurobazuka poll from February showed that 53% of Spaniards disapprove of the US president's policies, and another survey indicated widespread disapproval of Trump's actions in Venezuela.

Analysts suggest that Trump's threats may not significantly impact Spain economically, as the country is part of the European Union. The US Supreme Court has previously ruled against Trump's global tariff threats, and experts like Victor Burguete from the Barcelona Centre for International Affairs believe that proving a national emergency to justify trade cuts with Spain is unlikely.

The dispute intensified after the US relocated military aircraft from Spanish bases following Spain's refusal to support military actions against Iran. Additionally, Spain's refusal to increase NATO spending and its condemnation of Israel's actions in Gaza have further strained relations with the US.

Spain's government has also taken a strong stance on social media regulation, considering measures to restrict access for children under 16 and exploring legal actions against major platforms. These policies, along with Sanchez's opposition to Trump's "strongman politics," are seen as aligning with domestic public opinion ahead of Spain's general elections.

Despite the tensions, Spain's economic vulnerability to US trade threats is limited. The country is a leading exporter of olive oil and other goods, and the US has maintained a trade surplus with Spain. The European Union has expressed its readiness to protect its member states' interests, indicating support for Spain in the face of US pressure.