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Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez openly condemned the US and Israeli strikes on Saturday, warning that they could heighten regional tensions and “contribute to a more uncertain and hostile international order.”
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Madrid’s reaction was more outspoken than that of many other international leaders, who generally urged restraint, the protection of civilians, and respect for international law without directly criticizing the United States or Israel.
“We reject the unilateral military action of the United States and Israel, which represents an escalation and contributes to a more uncertain and hostile international order,” Sánchez wrote on X.
The statement followed large-scale strikes carried out by the United States and Israel across Iran, reportedly targeting a facility in central Tehran believed to be the residence of Iran’s 86-year-old Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.
In a joint declaration, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa described the situation as “deeply concerning,” calling on all parties to avoid actions that could further escalate tensions or undermine the global non-proliferation framework.
French President Emmanuel Macron described the strikes as an “outbreak of war” with potentially serious implications for international peace and security, adding that France would seek an “urgent meeting” of the United Nations Security Council.
Sanchez calls for “full respect for international law”
Sánchez went further in his criticism, but he also condemned the Iranian government and its Revolutionary Guard, calling for “immediate de-escalation” and “full respect for international law.”
His remarks reflect a broader shift in Spanish foreign policy, with Spain emerging as one of the more critical European voices regarding Washington’s foreign policy, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, and Iran’s suppression of domestic protests.
Spain was one of the first countries to openly reject an invitation from the Trump administration to join its “Board of Peace” initiative—which was primarily aimed at rebuilding Gaza – citing concerns about its consistency with Madrid’s commitment to international law, the United Nations, and multilateral diplomacy.
Sánchez has openly described the situation in Gaza as a “genocide,” and has been one of the strongest advocates for efforts to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation.
He has sought to position Madrid as a mediator and interlocutor for the Arab World, participating at a high-level summit in Dubai last month and reinforcing ties with the Gulf countries.
An outspoken voice in favour of the Palestinian cause in what he calls “the only viable way to lasting peace” in the Middle East, Madrid recognised the Palestinian decision in major diplomatic push in 2024 for a two-state solution. France, in comparison, did so in 2025.
Last December, Mahmoud Abbas met Sánchez in Madrid, where he praised his diplomatic efforts to enforce a ceasefire and his advocacy in favour of the Palestinian state.
Cementing a shift in the Spanish foreign policy, Sanchez participated as special guest in the 34th Summit of the League of Arab States held in Baghdad last year.
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