Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez defies US President Trump’s threats, refusing to allow US bases in Spain to be used for attacks on Iran.

MADRID: Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez delivered a firm rebuke to US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, declaring his government’s position on potential military action against Iran as “no to war”.

The televised address came a day after Trump threatened to sever all trade with Spain over its refusal to permit US aircraft to use Spanish bases for attacks on Iran.

Sanchez stated that Spain would not be complicit in actions harmful to the world and contrary to its values and interests, simply out of fear of retaliation.

“We oppose this disaster,” Sanchez said, arguing that his stance is shared by many other governments and millions of citizens across Europe, North America and the Middle East who desire no more war or uncertainty.

Trump had labelled Spain a “terrible” ally during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the White House on Tuesday.

The US president also criticised Sanchez’s refusal to join NATO allies in pledging to boost defence spending to 5% of GDP, a frequent Trump demand citing an unfair burden on the United States.

Sanchez’s leftist government has further angered Washington with policies including staunch opposition to Israel’s war in Gaza and the military operation to arrest Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

US forces currently utilise the Rota naval base and Moron air base in Spain, which under conservative Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar staunchly backed the United States during the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

 The Sun Malaysia