According to a report by Anadolu Agency on Thursday, March 5, 2026, Pedro Sánchez has strongly rejected what he described as “blind and servile” alignment with escalating military actions in the Middle East, urging an immediate ceasefire between Israel, the United States, and Iran.
In a video message shared on the social media platform X, Sánchez made clear Spain’s stance on the growing conflict, declaring a firm “no to war.” The Spanish leader stressed that Madrid would not support actions that could deepen instability in the region.
Drawing comparisons with past international conflicts, Sánchez referenced the 2003 Azores Summit, where then leaders of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Spain gathered shortly before the invasion of Iraq. The meeting, which included then U.S. President George W. Bush, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, and former Spanish Prime Minister José María Aznar, ultimately paved the way for military action after diplomacy with Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein collapsed.
Sánchez warned that the “Azores mindset” led to a more insecure global environment and worsened living conditions across Europe. “We cannot repeat the same mistakes,” he said, emphasizing that Spain would not become “complicit” in actions it considers harmful to international stability merely out of fear of retaliation or diplomatic pressure.
While criticizing the Iranian government for its domestic repression, Sánchez argued that international law must remain a guiding principle in responding to conflicts. “You cannot respond to one illegality with another,” he said, referring to the ongoing unilateral strikes carried out by the United States and Israel against Iranian targets.
The Spanish leader also addressed the safety of Spanish nationals in the Middle East, stating that the country’s armed forces are working “day and night” to coordinate evacuation plans for citizens currently in the region.
Sánchez concluded his address by expressing confidence in Spain’s resilience. He said the country possesses strong economic, institutional, and moral foundations, adding that in moments of international tension Spaniards feel “prouder than ever” of their national values and commitment to peace.
Relations between Madrid and Washington have grown increasingly strained as the conflict intensifies. Spain has openly condemned the strikes on Iran and refused to allow U.S. forces to use military bases on Spanish territory to launch attacks.
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares reinforced this position in remarks to Cadena SER radio, “categorically” denying that Spain had agreed to any military cooperation with the United States. He insisted that Spain’s policy on the Middle East conflict and the use of its bases “has not changed by a single comma.”
His statement came after comments by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt suggested Spain had agreed to cooperate with the U.S. military following pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump had earlier threatened to cut off trade ties with Spain after Madrid blocked American use of its bases for operations against Iran.