"This is how human catastrophes begin", Sanchez against Trump and Netanyahu: You can't play Russian roulette with the fate of millions of people

2026-03-04 18:19:34Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
Trump and Sanchez

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Wednesday reiterated his opposition to the attack on Iran by the United States and Israel, warning that the conflict risks causing a major global catastrophe.

Sanchez reacted after US President Donald Trump threatened to cut off trade relations with Madrid over its stance on the conflict and refusal to allow US aircraft to use jointly operated naval and air bases in southern Spain for the offensive against Tehran.

"We will not become complicit in something that is harmful to the world, nor contrary to our values ??and interests, simply to avoid someone's revenge," Sanchez said in a televised address to the nation.

Sanchez, one of the most vocal critics of Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said governments exist to improve people's lives and attacked leaders who "use the fog of war to hide their failures" in the country.

"This is how the great catastrophes of humanity begin... You can't play Russian roulette with the fate of millions of people ," he said.

Tensions between the two NATO allies have risen after Sánchez called the US and Israeli bombing of Iran reckless and illegal, while most other European countries have avoided direct criticism. Israel has also criticized Sánchez, accusing him of "standing with tyrants" in Iran and Palestine.

Spain has so far avoided getting involved in defensive operations, while Britain, France and Greece have sent weapons to Cyprus, which was hit by a drone on Monday, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer authorized the use of British bases for defensive strikes against Tehran.

Sanchez stressed that the world cannot solve problems with conflicts and bombs.

“The Spanish government's position can be summed up in four words: 'No to war,' ” he said, adding that this position is not naive, but coherent.

He cited the negative consequences of the war in Iraq, from the rise of jihadist terrorism to rising energy prices, to argue that the consequences of attacking Iran are equally unclear and that it will not lead to a more just international order.


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