Huelva, Spain – March 7, 2026
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez warned on Friday that the ongoing war involving Iran represents “a threat to world peace” and has already triggered sharp increases in fuel and gas prices that are directly affecting European households.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro in the southern Spanish city of Huelva, Andalusia, Sánchez described the US and Israeli military strikes on Iran—which began on February 28, 2026—as “an extraordinary mistake” whose consequences are now being felt far beyond the Middle East.
“We are already paying for it through higher fuel and gas prices, as well as the number of victims and the pain and suffering in the Middle East,” Sánchez said. He pointed to the near-total disruption of commercial tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, sustained high oil prices (Brent crude hovering near $82 per barrel), and QatarEnergy’s force majeure declaration on LNG exports following Iranian attacks on key facilities.
The prime minister’s remarks come nine days into the most intense phase of US-Israeli operations against Iran, which have included the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the destruction of large parts of Iran’s air defence network and missile production capacity, and the sinking of the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena by a US submarine in the Indian Ocean on March 4. Iran has retaliated with multiple waves of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones targeting Israeli military sites and US bases in Gulf Cooperation Council countries, causing casualties and infrastructure damage across the region.
Refusal to Allow US Use of Spanish Bases
Sánchez used the occasion to publicly defend Spain’s refusal to permit the United States to launch attacks on Iran from American military facilities on Spanish soil, including the strategic naval base at Rota and the Morón Air Base. The decision has provoked a sharp response from US President Donald Trump, who threatened an “embargo” on Spain earlier this week.
“I have enormous respect for the US presidency and admiration for American society, but Spain’s position is clear,” Sánchez stated. “I believe that among allies it is positive to support each other when one is right and to point out when one is making a mistake.”
He framed the transatlantic relationship as one grounded in “openness, respect, loyalty and equality,” adding that Madrid’s stance reflects both strategic caution and fidelity to international law.
Defence of Spain’s Naval Deployment and Broader Foreign Policy
Sánchez also addressed Spain’s decision to deploy the frigate ESPS Cristóbal Colón to the eastern Mediterranean as part of a reinforced NATO maritime presence. The warship is helping protect the Greek Cypriot Administration (Republic of Cyprus) from potential Iranian missile threats following Tehran’s warning that it could target any nation hosting US or Israeli assets.
The prime minister linked the deployment to Spain’s consistent support for international law: “Why do we back Ukraine? Because there is a violation of international law by an invading force. Why are we in favor of the Palestinian cause and against the genocide in Gaza? Because there is a flagrant violation of international law.”
He argued that opposing the current military escalation against Iran follows the same principle and aligns with the expressed will of the Spanish public. A survey commissioned by the newspaper El País and published Friday found that more than two-thirds (68%) of Spaniards oppose the US-Israeli attacks on Iran, with only 19% in favour and the remainder undecided or neutral.
Economic and Humanitarian Concerns
Beyond security, Sánchez highlighted the immediate economic pain inflicted on ordinary citizens. With Spain heavily reliant on imported natural gas and refined oil products, the disruption of Gulf energy flows has already pushed retail fuel prices upward and raised concerns about winter heating costs. The government has activated contingency measures, including increased LNG imports from the United States and Algeria, accelerated renewable deployment targets, and coordination with the European Commission on joint gas purchasing.
On the humanitarian front, Sánchez reiterated Spain’s commitment to supporting civilian populations affected by the violence. Madrid has pledged additional funding for UNRWA and other agencies working in Gaza and Lebanon, while urging all parties to protect civilians and respect international humanitarian law.
Diplomatic Efforts and Parliamentary Update
Meloni confirmed that she will deliver a formal report to both the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate in the coming days, as previously agreed with parliamentary leaders. The address is expected to detail Spain’s consular support operations, economic mitigation plans, military posture adjustments, and diplomatic initiatives within the European Union and NATO.
The prime minister’s statement aligns with the broader European Union position, which has called for urgent de-escalation and a return to diplomacy while condemning violations of sovereignty on all sides. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has repeatedly urged restraint and warned of the severe economic and humanitarian consequences of prolonged conflict.
As the Middle East crisis shows no immediate signs of abating—with ongoing missile exchanges, Hezbollah activity on Israel’s northern border, and persistent Iranian threats to Gulf energy infrastructure—Prime Minister Sánchez’s remarks reflect Spain’s dual emphasis on citizen protection, economic resilience, and principled diplomacy in one of the most serious geopolitical challenges Europe has faced in recent years.
