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Spain's firm 'no' to Iran war: A new voice in Europe?

March 12, 2026

Spain's "No to war" sets it against Europe's big powers and a more assertive Washington. Could Madrid's refusal to be involved in the Iran war lead to any fallout? DW unpacks the domestic and geopolitical forces at play.

https://p.dw.com/p/5ADsk

US President Donald Trump launched a tirade against Madrid last week, saying "Spain has been terrible" and threatening to "cut off all trade," after Spain opposed US and Israeli strikes on Iran from the outset.

David Jimenez Torres, Professor of History at the Complutense University of Madrid, told DW that Spain's firm stance fits Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's past positions on war, and serves domestic political goals at a time when his support base has been losing momentum.

DW News anchor Pablo Foley Elias wears a suit as he looks into the camera
Pablo Foley Elias A news anchor and reporter at DW News in Berlin.