By Trendsetter Tribune 
In a televised address from the Moncloa Palace on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez reiterated his government’s firm opposition to the U.S.-led military campaign against Iran. Summarizing his stance in four words—“No a la guerra” (No to war)—Sánchez warned that the current escalation risks a “Russian roulette with the destiny of millions.”
The Rift Over Military Bases
The primary flashpoint in the U.S.-Spain relationship is Madrid’s refusal to allow American forces to use jointly operated bases for Operation Epic Fury:
- Base Restrictions: Spain has formally barred the U.S. from using the Rota Naval Base and Morón Air Base for offensive strikes against Iran. Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares clarified that these facilities can only be used for actions covered by the UN Charter or existing bilateral agreements, which Spain maintains this conflict does not meet.
- Pentagon Withdrawal: In response to the restriction, the U.S. military has already relocated a dozen KC-135 tanker aircraft from Morón to bases in Germany and France to support ongoing refueling missions.
- White House Confusion: On Wednesday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt claimed Spain had agreed to cooperate, but Madrid issued an immediate “categorical denial,” stating their position had “not changed one iota.”
Trump Threatens “Total Trade Cut-Off”
President Trump has reacted with uncharacteristic vitriol toward Spain, labeling the country a “terrible” ally during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
- Economic Retaliation: Trump announced he has instructed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to explore cutting off all trade with Spain. “Spain said we can’t use their bases… we don’t want anything to do with Spain,” Trump said, threatening an embargo on a top-five EU economy.
- The “Unfriendly” Label: While Trump noted the U.S. could “just fly in and use” the bases if it wanted, he emphasized that Spain’s refusal has made it an “unfriendly” nation in the eyes of his administration.
Invoking the Lessons of Iraq
Sánchez pointedly compared the 2026 strikes to the 2003 invasion of Iraq, which he described as a “disaster” that unleashed a wave of global insecurity.
“You cannot respond to one illegality with another. That is how humanity’s great disasters begin… We will not be complicit in something that is bad for the world simply out of fear of reprisals.” — Pedro Sánchez
EU Solidarity
The dispute is quickly becoming a test of European Union unity. EU Internal Market Commissioner Stéphane Séjourné stated that “any threat against a member state is a threat against the EU,” hinting that the bloc may respond collectively if Trump follows through on his trade threats. French President Emmanuel Macron has reportedly reached out to Sánchez to express “full solidarity” with Spain’s position.