Madrid/Washington, 5 March 2026 (dpa/MIA) - Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on Wednesday doubled down on his opposition to the escalating attacks in the Middle East, declaring "no to war" in a televised address.

The left-wing prime minister again urged the United States, Israel and Iran to immediately halt their mutual attacks. The violence must end "before it is too late," Sánchez said.

It would be "naive to believe that blind and submissive obedience means leadership," Sánchez warned in reference to US President Donald Trump's threats.

The issue was one of respect for international law, "which protects all of us, especially the civilian population." Believing that the world could solve its problems with bombs alone was a mistake, he added.

Trump had criticized the governments of Spain and the United Kingdom at a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Tuesday.

"Spain has been terrible," Trump said at the White House, referring to Sánchez's position. "Spain actually said we can't use their bases."

Trump said he could defy that if he wanted to.

"We could use the base if we want," the president told reporters during a news conference. "We could just fly in and use it, nobody is going to tell us not to use it. But we don’t have to."

Spain's Defence Minister Margarita Robles confirmed on Monday that none of the US units stationed at the Spanish military bases of Morón and Rota had taken part in the attacks on Iran.

These bases may only be used in accordance with international law, Robles emphasized.

EU backs Spain over Trump trade threats

Trump said given Spain's attitude, he had instructed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to halt "all deals" with Madrid. It initially remained unclear which agreements Trump was referring to.

Spain had also angered Trump by being the only European NATO country unwilling to raise its defence spending to 5% of gross domestic product as demanded by the United States.

"They wanted to keep it at 2% and they don't pay the 2% so we're going to cut off all trade with Spain," Trump said. "We don't want anything to do with Spain."

On Wednesday the European Commission noted that it expects the major trade deal negotiated last year between the European Union and the United States to hold.

The commission "expects the United States to fully honour the commitments undertaken in our Joint Statement," according to a statement released by a spokesman.

It noted that trade policy is made on the EU level and that the commission stands "in full solidarity with all Member States." It stands "ready to act if necessary to safeguard EU interests."

After a call with the Spanish prime minister on Wednesday, European Council President António Costa wrote on X: "The EU will always ensure that the interests of its Member States are fully protected.

We reaffirm our firm commitment to the principles of international law and the rules-based order everywhere in the world."

Photo: MIA archive